Match report - U11s v Casuals (A)

In a late change to proceedings, the Ilkeston Mini section teams made the short trip to Beeston Rylands for a morning of rugby with Nottingham Casuals. Warm, early spring sunshine greeted parents, players and coaches alike, with the improved weather conditions providing the perfect metaphor for the contrasting experiences of all involved from this this weekend compared with the last.

A warm and organised welcome from Alan Knibbs (a man well known to many at the Stute who attend O2 Touch sessions) in his new role as mini rugby co-ordinator at Casuals, set the tone for a pleasant sixty minutes of action on the pitch between two well coached under 11 rugby teams.

The Ilkeston coaches were very pleased to see a high level of self-organisation occurring before the warm-up had begun, with players leading an activity focussed on passing the ball down the line, and forming their own huddle to lift concentration levels, without any adult direction. The effect was clear to see as the team was sharp throughout the pre-game preparation, and importantly, the transfer onto the pitch when the whistle blew was immediate.

Benefitting from strong running by all players who got their hands on the ball, the Elks ability to go forward in possession created a number of try scoring opportunities, with decisive support around the ball leading to a number of early scores. The opening period of the game was characterised by strong tackling from both teams, and once the away side had worked themselves into the contest, they responded swiftly with some outstanding runs from multiple players earning them several tries of their own to leave the game well balanced at the half way point.

During the third quarter, the substitute players undertook an observational activity from behind the dead ball area to better highlight the sorts of actions taking place off the ball. Rugby is a game played without the ball in hand the majority of the time. Only one player out of thirty (in the senior game) can have possession at any one time, and therefore most actions by players in attack – and by definition every player in defence – take place off the ball. Recall a brilliant try scored in senior rugby and chances are you’ll think of the All Blacks ripping a defence apart on the counter-attack. This doesn’t happen by accident – players move decisively into positions, relevant to the defensive picture in front of them, that allow their world class ball players to exhibit the catch-pass and evasion skills synonymous with the Pacific nation. That’s why the CARDS skills, specifically Awareness (searching for information), Decision Making (selecting an effective action based on the information available), and Self-Organisation (group co-ordination to facilitate the decisions being made) are absolutely critical in developing not only rugby players and teams, but people in general.

In comparison with last weekend, in general the width in both attack and defence was much improved, however the players were unanimous in agreeing that too often decisions are made without taking on board all available information such as looking at what’s in front and to the side of them. A challenge was set leading into the fourth period to call a team mate’s name to direct their attention towards attacking opportunities, in place of generically shouting a direction in which the ball should travel.

The final period saw the players from both teams exploit tiring bodies and minds by scoring a number of high quality tries. All morning the game was evenly contested, and given that the Elks and Casuals played each other only back in January, the development in decision making and decisiveness around the breakdown was clear for all to see, which helped bring a greater degree of continuity to both teams’ attacks.

A brief reflection with the players after the game made it clear that all had enjoyed their morning’s rugby far more than last week, and they were proud of the number of improvements they had made in response.

Whilst not all trophies were available to hand out, the following players were given awards:

Matthew Robinson – defensive warrior – most weeks Matthew is among the best defenders in the team, showing high levels of decision making and bravery to engage ball carriers in a low, strong position to bring them to ground. This week was no different, however the award was given for one play in particular that brought the defensive principles of play to life in a way coaches can often only dream of: Matthew used GO FORWARD by chasing a long kick off extremely hard which APPLIED PRESSURE to the would be attacking team, allowing him to REGAIN POSSESSION after the ball was fumbled, leading directly to a try being SCORED. Hopefully it’s on video somewhere!

Theo Yearwood – attacking weapon – there are times as a coach that you question whether what you’re doing is the right thing, and if it’s all worth it. Seeing Theo play today – given his disjointed season, injury problems, and knowing the positive effect rugby has on his life – rip through the defence time and time again having finally realised what his genetic advantages afford him, and the delight on his face all morning, was quite honestly one of the best feelings I’ve ever experienced on the rugby pitch.

Warren Gant – hard work hero – a constant source of direction for this group of young players, Warren was once again at the forefront of a number of positive actions throughout this morning’s game. Whether chasing back to pressure a breakaway opposition attacker, making a challenging open field tackle, or being generally busy with and without the ball on attack, Warren’s work rate is to be admired and he continues to be one of this team’s most influential players.

Special mentions went to Rory for his try following an excellent piece of support play, and to Luke who, having only joined the team a few short weeks ago, was given the responsibility of captaining the side, a role he undertook with aplomb all morning.

We are nearing the end of the weekly fixture schedule, with only one or two weekends remaining in which we play a solitary opposition side, before the festival season begins in earnest. The first of these games is next Sunday (Mothering Sunday…there’s still loads of time lads), away to Matlock, who always provide a stern physical test at every level. Following that, on Sunday 7th April, we have the Ilkeston Festival (how has that come around so quickly?), followed by the eagerly anticipated under 9s & under 11s combined tour the weekend after!

Once again, huge thanks to our outstanding parenting group for showcasing role model touchline behaviour by being supportive of both teams, and reining in the innate desire to shout instructions to the players, thereby allowing them to develop their own decision making abilities.

Thanks also to our hosts Nottingham Casuals for inviting us at such short notice. Positive feedback was given by all players towards the post-match pizza and pasta so top marks to the crew on catering detail this morning!