05/02/2010
ADHRC U12 (1st) V DUBAI EXILES (2nd) FRIDAY 05 FEB 2010 – MATCH REPORT
This was the second of two fixtures against the Dubai Exiles played recently, the first being last week (29th Jan 10) against the 1st team. We were expected to play both games on the same day, but some successful intervention, sensibly delayed the game against the 2nd team until Fri 05 Feb 10, the ADHRC U12 Coaches are grateful for the flexibility afforded to them by their Exiles counterparts.
Anyway, enough of the preamble back to the game. This was the last league game of the season, and just as important as the rest, both coaches agreed 12 a side format on a half pitch, 20 minutes each way and the game was played on the centre pitch at the Dubai Sevens Rugby Ground. Although sitting comfortably second in the league, as a result of our only loss to Exiles’ 1st, the same rules applied, Team Work, Communication, Fun, Play Well, Get the Basics Right, they were all there in abundance. Right from the outset, powerful, in the set piece and measurably controlled & well communicated in the loose resulted in long periods of possession. The opposition forwards were well out-matched in the Scrum, good control, communication and power, drove the opposition on to their back foot and provided a clearly defined, solid platform to develop a number of successful attacks, from which resulted in scores. Our line-out, equally as successful for, throwing and catching, not so for securing easily one ball and we had to work a little harder here to recover possession so easily lost.
Our backs were on occasions as equally strong and had a number of well taken opportunities to score, notably Molly with a “Hat-trick” of tries. Good communication, short sharp catch & pass were working well with good running lines and support play. A good display of committed tackling, particularly by the shorter members of the team, facing rather larger opposite numbers. The front three and back three worked well for 2/3rds of the match, it became a little bit ragged towards the end. A score of 20 Nil at half time and 35 Nil at full time in favour of ADHRC was a fair reflection of the amount of possession and pressure applied by a very determined Abu Dhabi side. The result, of course, secured the bonus point and consolidated our 2nd place in the league. There were some outstanding individual performances throughout the game, it was, though, extremely pleasing to see the level of team work and mutual support displayed by all players.
This achievement should not be understated; this successful league campaign has been the result of hard work, dedication and commitment on the part of all Players and Parents.
Lisa, Steve & Jerry would like to thank the parents who displayed consummate team work by ensuring all players got to and from the ground with the minimum of fuss, thank you.
Steve Henderson/Jerry mason
U12 Coaches
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