Juniors Awards

The Withycombe RFC Juniors section recently held their annual awards day at the club.  It has been a very good season for the Junior section and the big turn out for the awards underlined just how popular the section is at Withycombe RFC.  Players from all age groups were presented with well earned medals and certificates in recognition of their efforts over the season.

For the under-7s, after a few encouraging and inspirational words by the coaches, Rob Rickard and Mark Wilkinson, who summed up the seasons efforts, the youngsters went up in groups to proudly receive their players certificates and medals. Each group was brought up to receive their awards depending on a particular playing skill. The commendations were;

Taking the ball forward, breaking through the defence and reliably passing to the team: Eddie Warlow, Matthew Edworthy, Joe Graham and Cameron White.

Elusive running and excellent support resulting in numerous tries: Thomas Humphry, William Cooper, Tom Real and Charlie Passmore.

Improvement during the year and showing natural ability: Jack Coles, Paddy McGuiness and Sam Diprose

Outright speed and excellent running. Very difficult to catch in open space! Ben Wilkinson and Zak Burnard

For the under 8s, Coaches, Guy Bolwell and Richard Blyth described the season's performances noting the development and ever improving playing ability of their charges. The girls and boys collected their playing certificates and medals and it was decided that the annual Coaches Cup award should go to the whole squad in recognition of their fine efforts over the season - to share amongst themselves during the forthcoming year. The coaching team have continued the good work started the season before and have moulded a very capable team of keen youngsters who will now hang up their Tags and commence with eagerly awaited contact rugby at under-9 level (there has already been an encouraging natural progression towards this!). The awards handed out were;

The Coaches Cup: The entire under-8 squad.

The Junior Chairman's Cup: Ben Bolwell.

Under-14s Coach Rob Toomey described a season of mixed fortunes with many lads playing competitive for rugby for the very first time. However, improvements have made on the playing side and the squad have fought well against some very well established teams within the area. The team looks forward to next year with a strong emphasis placed on player unity and loyalty to each other in order to move forward and build upon the good work done to date. Awards went to;

Most improved player: Fin Corlett

Player's Player: Brandon Perry

Coaches Player: Connor Gilby

Top Try Scorers (Joint): George Toomey & Connor Gilby

There was a special mention for two of the team, Fly Half George Toomey and Connor Gilby at No. 8. Both lads have represented East Devon this season in the annual district competition, in which the team in finished second place. From this both George and Connor were selected to train with the Devon squad, in which they both got mentions for ability and effort, so watch this space!

Season Summary

Season 2009/2010 has been a fantastic year for the U7s and U8s of Withycombe RFC in their first proper season of playing a full fixture list.

U7s (including tournament games)
Played: 31 Won: 21 Drawn: 4 Lost: 6

U8s (including tournament games)
Played: 29 Won: 20 Drawn: 2 Lost: 7

The playing statistics speak for themselves, proving that WRFC certainly has a developing and progressive Junior Section. The basics of playing the game of rugby are being successfully instilled on the young Withies with a strong ethos always firstly on having fun and taking part followed by teamwork and sportsmanship, backed up by good coaching and club/parental support.

Next season teams will run at U7, U8 and U9 level and above with a full fixture list already in place. An open day for all new prospective members is planned for Sunday 27th June 2010. A warm welcome awaits all prospective new players and parents at Withycombe.

A reminder to all Junior Section players to be at the club in full playing kit on Sunday 9th May 2010 at 11 o’clock for team photos and awards.

Withycombe Juniors travelled up the M5 to Cullompton to play their last fixture of the season on Sunday 25th April

Under 7s
The Withy Under 7s won both their games. They played really well as a team both in attack and defence and finished the season how they have been playing for the last few months.

Game 1: 9-a-side. Half time 3-3; Full time 6-7
The score was 6-6 and in the final play of the match Charlie Passmore did one of his specials and ran through leaving everyone for dead.  Scorers in order Joe Graham, Charlie Passmore, Charlie Passmore, Tom Real, Charlie Passmore, Tom Real, Charlie Passmore.

Game 2: 7-a-side. Half time 3-7; Full time 4-11
The team played much better in this game winning tags and forcing errors from the other team which led to scoring chances which they took at every chance. Dominated through out the game. Scorers in order Thomas Humphry, Joe Graham, Thomas Humphry, Tom Real, Tom Real, Erin Asselman, Charlie Passmore, Max Rikards, Thomas Humphry, Erin Asselman, Tom Real


Under 8s
In the first game all the team played well against committed and organised opponents. Good running and neat passing led the team to a 8 - 6 win, tries coming from Tom Sanderson (2), Ben Bolwell (2), Lukas White (3) and Joe Blyth. This rare defeat for Cullompton led to the home team attacking with even more ferocity in the second game, and in spite of good tagging by the team a few handling errors led to the hosts winning 7 - 4. Tries were scored by Tom Sanderson, Lukas White and Joe Blyth, with Ben Bolwell ending the season for the under 8s with a spectacular try from inside his own half.

Withycombe Juniors travelled west down the A38 on Sunday 18th April 2010 to take part in the Annual Devon Mini Rugby Festival for U7 & U8s hosted at a hot and sunny Ivybridge RFC.

Under 7s
The Withy U7s fielded two equally balanced sides, a Red tag and Yellow tag team playing in separate pools.
Results:
Withy Red Team 4 v Topsham 1. Try scorers: Paddy McGuiness (1), Charlie Passmore (2), Max Rickards (1)
Withy Red Team 5 v Paignton 4. Try scorers: Charlie Passmore (2), Thomas Humphry (2), Ben Wilkinson (1)
Withy Red Team 5 v Devonport Services 5. Try scorers: Max Rickard (2), Thomas Humphry (2), Charlie Passmore (1)
Paignton 1 v Withy Red Team 5. Try scorers: Charlie Passmore (2), Thomas Humphry (2), Erin Asselman (1)
Withy Yellow Team 7 v Ivybridge 5. Try scorers: Cameron White (1), Will Cooper (2), Tom Real (2), Joe Graham (1), Zac Burnard (1)
Withy Yellow Team 6 v Topsham 0. Try Scorers: Will Cooper (2), Tom Real (3), Sam Diprose (1)
Withy Yellow Team 2 v Stonehouse Sharks 4. Try scorers: Sam Diprose (1), Tom Real (1)
Withy Yellow Team 7 v Sidmouth 4. Try scorers: Tom Real (2), Will Cooper (3), Joe Graham (2)

In all, a fantastic display by both teams playing in front of assembled families enjoying the hot spring sunshine. The boys can be rightly proud of their performances on the day with great team work and ball handling, furious tagging and many individual displays of excellent running with ball in hand.

The Withies U7s stats for the day: Played 8: Won 6, Lost 1, Drew 1, Points For 41, Points Against 24.

Under 8s
Incredible weather with an unforgiving hard and dusty pitch The Withies found themselves in a tough pool with 5 games ahead. The first game saw them beat Topsham with good defence The Withies won 4-2.
The 2nd game was 45 mins later during which the squad had fallen asleep ! Losing 3-2 to Teignmouth after which coaches Guy Bolwell and Richard Blyth gave them a motivational talk seeing them to victory over a talented Kingsbridge team with brilliant defensive tagging and great attacking moves from The Withies saw them to a 3-0 victory.
In the 4th game they came up against the unbeaten Exeter Chiefs in a very keenly fought end to end game which saw both teams struggle to break through each other’s defence but The Withies put in a couple of brilliant team moves bringing them 2 fantastic tries with both sides of supporting fans applauding. Final result, 2-1 to the Withies
The final game followed immediately against Salcombe both teams agreed to play 6 a side - with more space on the tight ground The Withies were able to find the gaps and ran in 6 tries to 2.
The Withies were the only team to win 4 of their 5 games.

The sportsmanship of The Withies shone through with 4 of them agreeing to play for Salcombe who were short on numbers. In the spirit of rugby Withycombe lent Salcombe two players for each of their games as they only had 6 players. The day was a great success enjoyed by coaches, players and supporting parents alike.

Withy 4 v Topsham 2
Withy 2 v Teignmouth 3
Withy 3 v Kingsbridge 0
Withy 2 v Exeter Chiefs 1
Withy 6 v Salcombe 2
The Withies U8s stats for the day: Played 5: Won 4, Lost 1, Drew 0, Points For 17, Points Against 8.

Withycombe Juniors resumed normal service at Raleigh Park at home to near rivals, Topsham on a bright and sunny morning Sunday 11th April 2010.

Withycombe U8s
The under 8s beat Topsham 7-1 in the first game and 7-4 in the second game. Good tagging from Harry Cartwright and Megan Humphry. Lucas White played a very good game. Joseph Blyth followed in his dad's footsteps with a fantastic try equalling that of his dads on the previous day. Jake Yarwood scored along with Ben Bolwell. Fantastic team effort with great tagging from Oliver Leeming, Tom Saunders, Oscar Moyle  and Alex.  The whole team are showing great form for the Ivybridge Festival this  coming Sunday .


Withycombe U7s
Adopting the usual squad rotation per half, Withies U7s played two games against different Topsham sides who arrived in equal good numbers.

The first match saw Withy dominate throughout keeping Topsham at bay turning over ball through solid defence, playing the 7 tag rule. Despite a couple of early tries from the visitors running well down the flanks, Withycombe soon woke up to take control with very encouraging displays of both dogged tagging and support play when in possession. Final score in the first game 7 – 4 to the Withies. Try Scorers: Will Cooper (3), Thomas Humphry (1), Matthew Edworthy (2), Sam Diprose (1).

Withy continued to play well in the second game again winning back ball through great cover defence. With ball in hand The Withies invariably scored through a combination of determined individual running and notable inter linking in all areas. In the first half Will Cooper opened the scoring (wrong footing the Topsham coach - to the crowd's amusement), Thomas Humphry soon followed with a simple try after great running by Joe Graham down the right wing. Thomas Humphry added a second straight from the restart and then Zac Barnard put in fantastic run down the left wing from deep in his own half to close out the scoring 4 tries to 1 at the break.
The pressure was kept up in the second half with Charlie Passmore running in a good try after solid work from Matthew Edworthy, Tom Real followed with two good efforts in the right corner following all round team work. Charlie Passmore and Erin Asselman closed the scoring with two fine efforts. Final score a deserved 9 – 3 win to The Withies.

Both Withy age groups have maintained a 100% record this season against their second nearest rivals. The club is looking to expand its U7s for next year as the teams move up an age group and is particularly keen to welcome next Autumn Terms Year 1s and 2s.

After a thoroughly enjoyable day taking part in an Exeter Chiefs Super Saturday, Withycombe Juniors travelled down to Totnes on Sunday 28th March 2010.

Withycombe U8s
Withies U8s dominated their Totnes counterparts in a convincing but equally hard earned performance to win 7 -2 in their first game. Holding a good defensive line the U8s repeatedly closed down the home side to win back their own ball from which they invariably scored from. Good all round team work with plenty of probing individual running and support play. Ben Bolwell put in his usual display of elusive running on the ball to run in 6 tries often from well inside his own half, with the appreciation of the sporting home supporters. Joe Blyth was the other try scorer.

With only one playing surface available the U8s had to wait for the U7s to finish their second game. By this time many of the home team had inadvertently gone home (perhaps not expecting another game). Totnes U7s then gamely stepped up to put up the bulk of the opposition for the second game after completing their own matches. This second match produced a similar well fought encounter with a final score line of 5 - 2 to The Withies. Try Scorers: Ben Bolwell (2), Harry Cartwright (1), Hannah Bolwell (1). Well done to debutant Oliver Leaming who also scored a try.

Withycombe U7s
The Withies U7s were able to field separate teams for each half of their respective games against Totnes who were short on numbers so bolstered their ranks with a couple of their U8s.

The first game saw the usual end to end action from the restart producing a lead of 4 tries to 3 to Withies at the break. Will Cooper secured a deserved hatrick displaying determined diagonal running to score in the corners with an additional try from Max Rickard, both linking well from notable breaks from Joe Graham, Zac Burnard and Erin Asselman. Continued attacking play kept Withy ahead in the second half to finally win 8 – 5 with good worked Withy ball falling just short of the line keeping the score line down. Second half try scorers: Thomas Humphry (1), Matthew Edworthy (1) and Charlie Passmore (1).

In the second game the starting Withy line up had Captain Jake Diprose ably leading from the front to open the scoring with a fine run from halfway. Jack Coles was notable in his support play also landing a try in the corner. A very good display of tagging to win back possession with ever improving support play and linking from all to produce a final score of 8 - 5 to The Withies. Try Scorers Will Cooper (3), Sam Diprose (2) Charlie Passmore (1).

Both teams (parents included!) have a deserved break over Easter the period.

Withycombe Juniors welcomed Sidmouth and Exeter Saracens on Sunday 21st March

Withycombe U8s
The Withy girls excelled against both Sidmouth and Exeter Saracens to secure a double header victory over the visitors. Both Hannah Bolwell and Megan Humphries ran the length of the pitch in their respective games leaving flaying boys in their wake to score exceptional individual tries, with some great tagging from Olivia Yarwood. Withycombe won the first game 6-3 against Sidmouth with an excellent display of team work. Other try scorers: Joe Blyth (2), Oscar Moyle (1), Ben Bollwell (2).

In the second game Withycombe displayed a cohesive team spirit with lots of unselfish inter passing and support play to win 6-4 against the Saracens. Try scorers: Hanna Bolwell (1), Joe Blyth (2), Ben Bolwell (2), Finley Frazer (1).

Withycombe U7s
Benefiting from their usual high turnout of number Withies chose to field separate teams for each half of their respective games against Saracens and Sidmouth.

The first game v Exeter Saracens saw end to end action from the restart producing a lead of 4 tries to 3 to Withies at the break with a deserved hatrick by Ben Wilkinson cruising down the left wing with an additional try from Thomas Humphry. A change in personnel at half time allowed for improved defence with the visitors only scoring once with Withy running in 4 tries, producing a final well deserved score of 8 tries to 4. Eddie Warlow was notable in demonstrating ever increasing confidence to run in 2 great tries from deep in his own half. A good all round display of support and inter passing. Other try scorers: Max Rickard (1) and Will Cooper (1).

The second game against a stronger Sidmouth team produced a fairly contested drawn affair with Withies battling well in defence to keep the visitors at bay. Solid running from both Cameron White and Matthew Edworthy from the restart allowed Withies to punch holes into Sidmouth territory. The last play of the game following a Sidmouth score produced a fine solo effort from Charlie Passmore to level the game 6 tries all. Other try scorers: Ben Wilkinson (1), Thomas Humphry (2), new boys Paddy McGuinness (1) and Erin Asselman (1).

It is fantastic to see continued weekly individual improvement amongst the Withy youngsters as they grow in confidence and ability. They now look forward to a busy weekend taking part in the Exeter Chiefs Super Saturday fixture versus London Welsh on 27th March (meet 10am at Sandy Park) followed by an away fixture to Totnes on the Sunday.

Withycombe Juniors played hosts to Newton Abbot in a return home fixture on Sunday 28th February

Withycombe U8s
Withies U8s came up against a well drilled All Whites team in the first of two games on an energy sapping mud soaked pitch at Raleigh Park. A closely fought game saw the Withies battle hard against tough visiting opposition with end to end action. The usual encouraging display of hard running, defensive tagging and inter passing saw the home side narrowly lose out in the end 4 tries to 5. Withycombe tries: Tommy Sanderson 1, Finlay Frazer 1, Ben Bolwell 1 and Lukas White 1.

In the second game an improved Withy fight back kept the score line to 1 try to 2 down at half time. Good support running and passing was seen from all, with determined running from Tommy Sanderson. A competent display of teamwork in the cold and mud played at fast pace allowed the Withies to finally draw 4 tries all in the end. Withycombe tries: Megan Humphry 1, Tommy Sanderson 2, Hannah Bolwell 1.

Withycombe U7s
Another good turnout in the U7s meant that squad rotation was the order of the day to give all of the youngsters a run out. Separate teams were again used to play in the respective half of the two games played.

A very well organised Newton Abbot opened strongly against the Withies starting seven. Direct running by the visitors and initial poor defence gifted the All Whites with a succession of four early tries. As the half progressed, the Withies defence improved and a quite superb solo run saw Charlie Passmore beat most of the visiting team to pull back a try just before the break.
A change around of players at half time saw Withycombe really surge back into the game. A much stronger defensive platform allowed the home side to repeatedly regain possession playing the 7 tag turn over rule. Excellent probing running and inter passing from all saw the Withies run in 4 tries to the visitors one in the second half. Matthew Edworthy (1) and Will Cooper (2) were notable in attack along with an ever improving Sam Diprose (1). Final score line 5 tries all in a very exciting and even encounter.

Withycombe decided to field a slightly stronger starting line up for the second game only to find themselves down 2 tries to 3 at the break despite consistent improving play. A change in players at half time saw the remaining Withies squad take to the pitch to gainfully step up a gear to finish the job off to beat a very competitive Newton Abbot side. Another closely fought contest saw great individual second half running and try scoring from Ben Wilkinson (2), contributing to a final deserved Withycombe victory of 5 tries to 4. Other Withycombe try scorers: Will Cooper 2, Thomas Humphry 1.
 

Withycombe Juniors at home to Teignmouth on Sunday 21st February

Withycombe Juniors enjoyed their first home again in a while with the visit of Teignmouth to Raleigh Park on Sunday 21st February.

Withycombe U8s
Due to a good turnout in numbers the U8s were able to field the best part of two sides, each playing one game apiece. In the first game Withycombe comfortably one 7 tries to 3 maintaining their usual good level of teamwork, combining well with effective inter passing, tagging and individual running. Well done to Ben Bolwell for scoring 5 out of 7 tries.  In the second game a change around in Withy personnel allowed the visitors to come back at them and dominate the game. Withy lost 3 tries to 6. Try Scorers Lucas Wright 1, Oscar Moyle 2

Withycombe U7s
The U7s also benefited from a similar good turn out and chose to field separate teams in the respective half of each game played.  A marked improvement of defensive tagging from last week’s performance saw the U7s romp home in their first game to easily win by 5 tries to 1. Playing the 7 tag turnover rule Withies effectively closed down the visitors and then linked well when in possession, prompting several breakaway tries from inside their own half. Try scorers: Max Rikard 1, Erin Asselman 1, Tom Real 1, Thomas Humphry 2.  A similar performance was witnessed in the second game with Withies cruising to a 6 tries to 2 victory. Excellent solo running and support from well worked inter passing saw tries scored by: Charlie Passmore 1, Will Cooper 1, Thomas Humphry 3, Sam Diprose 1.  Despite the score lines, Teignmouth provided spirited opposition such that both squads agreed to a shorter third game which Withycombe again won 6 tries to 3. Try scorers: Matthew Edworthy 1, Tom Real 3, Thomas Humphry 2.

A good display of Junior rugby from both age groups with admirable displays of enthusiasm from hosts and visitors alike.

Before the season is out there remains one tantalising unscheduled fixture to play, that is if Withycombe’s nearest rivals are up for it !? 

Withycombe Juniors away to Kingsbridge on Sunday 14th February

Withycombe Juniors travelled down to Kingsbridge on Sunday 14th February to take part in a tri club fixture with the hosts and fellow visitors, Plymstock. The Withy youngsters finally resumed their fixture list after a long layoff through bad weather postponements.

Withycombe U8s
In their first game, Withycombe U8s played a much larger Plymstock team intent on illegal contact. Plymstock started the stronger team with Withycombe shell shocked by the bullish tactics employed by the opposition. Withy soon adapted and played a wider game on the large pitch with some good jinking runs by Ben Bolwell and Joe Blyth, supported by strong running from Oscar Moyle and Jake Yarwood. The game progressed well with the Withy gathering confidence and gelling well, scoring in the last seconds of the game to win by a score of 4 tries to 3. Try scorers: Ben Bolwell 2, Oscar Moyle 2

Next, the U8s played a well organised host team Kingsbridge, who where always going to give Withy a hard game from previous encounters. Both sides displayed strong running and useful linking to make ground into each other’s half providing end to end action. What finally separated the 2 teams was the excellent tagging defence by the Withycombe who again ran out winners again in the dying seconds of the game with a score of 5 tries to 4. Try Scorers: Ben Bolwell 3, Oscar Moyle 1, Lucas Wright 1.

Withycombe U7s
The U7s opened up against a well drilled Kingsbridge side who displayed far superior defensive tagging to close down Withycombe. A combination of poor defence and strong running from the hosts caused Withy to let in an early succession of soft tries in the first half. However, the boys soon rallied to stem the host team’s tide of attack to come right back into the game with some good displays of individual running. A positive from the game was the improved linking and inter passing following being tagged which allowed Withy to punch holes before scoring. Withycombe fought back well and could have won if not for the early errors. The final score 6 tries to 5 to Kingsbridge. Try scorers: Thomas Humphry 2, Will Cooper 3.

The second game against a strong Plymstock team again saw far superior opposition tagging in comparison to Withycombe. As a consequence Plymstock retained more useful ball in the 7 tag turn over rule with strong running leading to more tries. When in possession Withy, although closed down through continued good defence, managed to recycle the ball well only to come bravely short of the try line on a number of occasions. Plymstock won 6 tries to 2. Try scorer: Thomas Humphry 2.

Well done to all the Withy Juniors who played with enthusiasm, with new players showing much promise.

Withycombe Juniors U8s at home to Kingsbridge on Sunday 13th December

After several weeks of travelling, Withycombe Juniors returned to Raleigh Park in good numbers for their first home fixture of the season against Kingsbridge on Sunday 13th December 2009. Unfortunately Kingsbridge U7s cancelled leaving a sole fixture for the U8s to play.

The U8s narrowly lost their first match 6 – 7 but then made amends by winning the second game by a very encouraging margin of 8 – 3. The first game produced the usual end to end action with each team generally scoring from the restart with the rundown of the clock favouring the visitors. Both teams demonstrated good running and ball handling skills playing the 5 tag turn over rule with a well drilled Kingsbridge team displaying slightly better exchanges of inter passing before being tagged.

In the second game the Withies U8s managed to step up a gear and produced a far more convincing performance scoring 4 times in each half to dominate the visitors 8 – 3. An excellent all round attacking team performance was witnessed, with many individual displays of probing running to gain ground back up by determined defensive tagging. Tries scored by Ben Bolwell (7), Joe Blyth (3), Jake Yarwood (2), Hannah Bolwell and Tommy Sanderson. A deserved mention must go to Ben Bolwell (nicknamed “Speedy Gonzales” by his Kingsbridge counterparts) who ran in 3 and 4 tries respectively over the two games using his fast, jinking pace to repeatedly open up the opposition defence.

The U7s managed to enjoy a lively match orientated training session in place of a competitive fixture. The Withy Juniors will return to action after the festive break on Sunday 3rd January 2010 at home to Cullompton. New players always welcome.

Withycombe Juniors U8s and U7s at Newton Abbot on Sunday 6th December

After approximately a month off from playing due to bad weather postponements Withycombe Juniors resumed their fixture list away to Newton Abbot on Sunday 6th December 2009. Playing on the All Whites “all weather” sand pitch the U7s and U8s took turn about playing 2 games each against their respective opposition.

The U7s commenced and lost the first match 4 – 2 and then narrowly lost 5 - 4 in their second match. Despite losing both games Withies U7s showed great determination and plenty of enthusiasm putting in plenty of hard running on the energy sapping sand. Newton Abbot proved equal to the efforts of the U7s and certainly provided tough opposition. It has to be said that the score line of the first game was somewhat distorted with the Withies having 3 tries disallowed for some questionable, borderline infringements. Tries scored by Thomas Humphry, Ben Wilkinson, Charlie Passmore, Will Cooper (2) and Mathew Edworthy.

The U8s drew their first game 4 - 4 and then lost their second 4 – 3. Both encounters proved to be robust affairs played at pace with alternating end to end action. There was little to differentiate the sides over the two games with plenty of hard probing running and good linking on display by both teams. In the end the well organised All whites just had the edge on the Withies. One of this season’s Withies U8 newcomers, Tommy Sanderson showed notable ball in hand skills, making several good ground making runs. Tries scored by Jake Yarwood (2), Hannah Bolwell (2) and Ben Bolwell (3)

Despite the score lines and a lack of recent match practice both Withies teams equipped themselves admirably against probably their hardest opposition to date on a tough playing surface.

This Sunday 13th December Withycombe Juniors welcome Kingsbridge to Raleigh Park for their last fixture until January. A Junior’s U10 Christmas Party will take place at 3.00 pm the same day, Father Christmas is coming !

Withycombe Juniors U8s and U7s at Topsham on Sunday 1st November

Withycombe Juniors produced another very encouraging performance and set of results away to Topsham on Sunday 1st November 2009. Approximately 1 year ago Withies played their first ever matches at Topsham and were given a lesson in tag rugby. The same fixture one year on clearly proves the continuing development and progression of the Withycombe youngsters.

Against their strongest opposition to date the U8s deservedly won both games, 4 - 5 and 3 - 4. Playing the 6 tag turn over rule Withies showed great stamina playing against separate Topsham squads in the two matches. A determined all round performance again saw good running and support with the boys and girls maintaining a solid line in defence. All tries scored by Ben Bowell (7) and Jake Yarwood (2).

The U7s drew their first match 7 - 7 and then won the second 8 - 9 against equally strong opposition. Another very lively and entertaining U7s performance produced excellent displays of individual running and try scoring. In addition it was very encouraging to see fast attacking play, good support and linking to allow points to be run in from the final pass. A stronger defence by the team as a whole would have undoubtedly produced two convincing victories against separate opposition squads. Tries from Ben Wilkinson, Will Cooper, Joe Graham, Tom Humphry, Eddy Warlow, Sam Diprose, Tom Real.

Training continues this Sunday at Raleigh Park, all welcome.

Withycombe Juniors U8s and U7s  victorious in all matches on Sunday 25th October

Withycombe Juniors U8s and U7s continued on their travels up to Honiton on Sunday 25th October to each play two games apiece in their second fixture of the season.

On a bright autumn morning high up in the Blackdown Hills on the playing fields of Manor House School Withycombe came away victorious in all matches.

The U8s won their first game 8 - 2 and the second game 5 - 3.  An excellent all round performance by the U8s who continue to grow in confidence and ability. The team displayed great ball handling and inter passing skills to reward themselves with two convincing wins.

The U7s also produced two equally solid performances in a lively end to end encounter against Honiton. The first game was won
6 - 5, the second 7 - 6. Despite the close final score lines Withies never looked like losing either game displaying fast wide running in attack and enthusiastic tagging in defence.

Two newcomers to Withies U7s this season, Tom Real and Naome Myle both gave impressive performances along with all their team mates in this very encouraging victory.

This Sunday Withies continue their season with another fixture away to Topsham, meet at Raleigh Park at 9.30. The club is ever keen to recruit more youngsters particularly at U10, U9 and U8 levels, all welcome.

Withycombe Juniors U8s and U7s at Exeter Saracens on Sunday 4th October

An enthusiastic group of Withycombe Juniors U8s and U7s travelled to Exeter Saracens on Sunday 4th October to play two games a piece in their first tag fixture of this season.
 
Withies U8s opened strongly against their Saracens counterparts showing good handling skills, probing running and solid defensive tagging. The first game was comfortably won by Withycombe despite the score line 25 points to 20.  The second encounter proved to be slightly more challenging against a reorganised home team allowing Saracens a narrow 20 points  to 25 victory.
 
The U7s produced two equally encouraging performances showing great team work in both attack and defence. The first game was lost 35-20 but victory was secured in an exciting second match Withycombe winning 35-30.
 
A notable mention goes to Thomas Humphry playing for the Withies U7s who continually opened up the opposition defence by scoring an impressive 7 tries over the two games.
 
Training continues this Sunday at Raleigh Park for all ages between 6 and 14 years, all welcome..