Fast Out The Blocks

Sunday saw the first matches of the new season with two Vikings sides playing against Heathens and a BaBa's side with a strong Viking contingent. The squad was split into the following sides:

BLUES - Tom R, George, Jack, Luke, Ciaran, Hans & Ben.

GOLDS - Tommy, Harry, Stanley, Harrison, Kascper, Jamie R & Jamie P.

BaBa's - Rhys, Alec & Fergus plus four.

Pitch 2 - Game 1

Golds 10 - BaBa's 20

The G&F players in the BaBa's side seemed to be the catalyst for everything the team did well in defence and attack but the scoreline did not reflect the spirit and effort of the GOLDS who fielded 3 players totally new to the sport this season. All three, Harrison, Tommy and Harry got tore into the action from the start and showed levels of ability well beyond the handful of training sessions they've attended so far.

In attack the GOLDS made some solid advances through driving runs from Harrison, who made at least 15m with three BaBa's defenders trying to stop him and Kascper who seemed to have a new enthusiasm for playing attacking rugby this season. Not only did he try to make ground but he was constantly looking for gaps in the defence to attack. Whilst the BaBa's attack was led by the three G&F players who moved the ball well through the hands and distributed it throughout the team which put a couple of the Fareham lads over for tries.

Try scorers in the match for the GOLDs were Stanley with a great individual effort from about 20m out and Jamie R, who was never more than 2 seconds away from the ball during the whole game. This led to him being in the right place at the right time to receive the ball from a breakdown and cross the line. Try of the game came from the BaBa's, Alec went on a jinking run from half way and was proving too elusive for the GOLDS defence, just as they were about to close him down, he off loaded the ball brilliantly to his G&F club-mate Fergus who managed to avoid the touch line for the final 10m and score in the corner.

There were solid defensive performances from Rhys and Alec for the BaBa's and for the GOLDS Jamie R and Jamie L knocked players down relentlessly. The breakdown play at rucks and mauls was outstanding, the only downside was that both teams overcommitted players, this was down to enthusiasm more than any other factor, but we will have to work on this discipline over the coming weeks. It's worth a special mention for Jamie R who attacked and defended the breakdowns superbly and his work on the ground couldn't have been any better.

Pitch 2 - Game 2

BLUES 0 - BaBa's 0

This was a match worthy of two teams undefeated on the day. Facing a BLUES side full of fast, attacking, proven try scorers the BaBa's defence would have to really turn it on if they didn't want to lose by a cricket score. The BLUES were really up for the final match having just beaten Fareham 10 - 5 with tries from Jack and Tom R. There was no need to worry though, the BaBa's defence held solid and this game turned into a battle of the breakdowns. The game flowed better than the previous match, with both sides slightly more aware of how many players they were committing to the ruck and maul and when the first penalty did arise, Jack, to his credit was already shaking his head and trying to back away before the Ref's whistle went.

Away from the breakdown, there was some brilliant individual defence by Tom R, Jack and Ben. All three G&F players for the BaBa's made some big hits on their BLUES club mates and managed to contain both George, with his side steps and change of pace. And Ciaran's blistering speed. The draw seemed the fairest result for this brilliant game.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK - Jamie Ryan (all round display of rugby strength)

TRY OF THE WEEK - Jack Arnold (decisive in attack)

TACKLE OF THE WEEK - Jamie Palmer (relentless in his defensive workload)

Andy Meachen - Heathens Given No Quarter !!

Pitch 1 - game 1

Blues 10 - Heathens 5

In Blues first game of the season they dominated a determined Heathens side who ultimately could not match Gosports Blues for pace and fierce tackling.

Things started well with Blues in possession and Hans off loading to George who skipped around several defenders, only releasing the ball after a good loud call from Jack who managed to barrel to within a metre of the line. It was great to see Ben driving over the ball which was popped out to Tom who showed a great turn of speed to run around the Heathens defence to score.

Heathens came back strongly and scored themselves despite a strong Blues defence. Blues picked themselves up ad redoubled their efforts with some good runs from Ben, George and Ciaran, with newcomer Luke having a good little run up the middle. Although Heathens got their hands on the ball frequently they didn't hold onto it for long, the Blues were so quick and relentless with some fine tackling from Ben, Jack and Tom. It was Ciaran and George holding up the Heathens ball carrier while Jack came in and like a seasonal pro ripped the ball away and ran through the tattered Heathens defence to score a great team try.

By the end of the match Heathens were looking jaded and Blues probably deserved to win by more, a great team effort.

Pitch 1 - game 2

Golds 10 - Heathens 5

If Heathens were reeling from the ferocity of the Gosport Blues they just got more of the same from the Golds!

It was a defensive masterclass from the off, with Jamie Ryan and Jamie Palmer like a couple of marauding flankers leaving devastation throughout the Heathen ranks and Stan showed outstanding determination in pulling off a number of quality covering tackles.

In attack Tom, Kascper and Harry all made some great off loads with Kascper also having a great 20 metre run through the centre of the Heathens defence. Harrison matched Kascper with a number of great carries and for a player that has had only a little tackle training had a great defensive game.

Golds first try came from a great steal from Jamie Ryan who ripped the ball from a Heathen player, the ball eventually coming to Jamie Palmer who passed the Heathen defence to score.
Heathens score came from a penalty try that Golds accepted without complaint!

Golds second try came from a Gold penalty on the far side of the pitch. With Stan on the near side wing he watched the ball move along the line towards him, with a lot still to do Stan took the ball past the despairing Heathens defence.
A quality Golds victory.