Exeter Saracens Rugby Club, Exeter, Devon

Match Reports

21st October 2007

 

Exeter Saracens U7’s (45 -v- 35) Topsham U7’s

 

Both sides played well with Topsham leading the first half 30-15. Exeter Saracens came back strong in the second half making the final score 45-35. Player of the Match scoring 3 tries for Sarries was Aiden Vaughan Ryall, with two tries each scored by Rhys Mullin & Lewis Warren.

 

Exeter Saracens U8's v Topsham U8's

 

Match 1 Exeter Saracens (25 -v- 35)

 

Topsham A close game which saw 4 tries from Noah Lambert for Sarries. Another from Luke Boots-Hutchings was not enough to stem Topsham’s greater discipline in attack.

 

Match 2 Exeter Saracens (25 -v- 15)

 

Topsham A good win by 5 tries to 3. Good runs from Hamish Edmund (2), Luke Hawkes, Bradley White and Noah Lambert saw Sarries safely home.

 

Match 3 Exeter Saracens (20 -v- 50) Topsham

 

A stronger Topsham side deservedly went ahead and stayed ahead in this high scoring game. Sarries fought back after the interval with tries by Luke Hawkes (2), Jed Wright and Bradley White.

 

Exeter Saracens U9’s (10 -v- 5) Topsham U9’s

 

Match1 A great entertaining game of rugby from both sides with some very distinct mature elements to the game for these U9 players. It became obvious throughout this game that both sides had worked on their rucking and mauling and Saracens showed their efforts in continually trying to clear the space and secure the ball from the ruck with success. Several breakaway runs came from these rucks and from one of these Topsham scored the first and only try of the first half. After half time team talk Saracens cam back much the stronger of the two sides and began to focus on working as a team using the forwards to clear the rucks and passing to the backs who were waiting for their opportunity. This final came from the wing when Cameron Souter-Frost scored Saracens first try. A few minutes later when the ball came out of the scrum Saracens took the advantage using their quick passing skills to get the ball to Ben Haigh who scored Saracens second and winning try of the game. Topsham fought back in the last minute take the ball to Saracens try line but Saracens managed to drive Topsham into touch to prevent an equaliser.

 

Exeter Saracens U9’s (5 -v- 20) Topsham U9’s

 

Match2 Saracens went into this game with a complete new set of forwards. This was always to be a difficult game for the Saracens with a weaker scrum making clearing the ruck more difficult. There were numerous mauls formed during this game and Saracens backs added to the strength of the forwards to show superiority in driving Topsham away from Saracens territory. This was a very physical game for both sides and numerous players were off and on due to injuries. Sarries only managed one try by Brad Down, in the game despite being close the to the try line on several occasions. Topsham went on to win the game using breakaways from the rucks to their advantage.

 

Exeter Saracens U10's (0 -v- 25) Topsham U10's

 

Match1 Saracens started the game brightly with some excellent work from the forwards keeping Topsham at bay. Sarries Scrummaging & Lineout was effective in holding back a powerful Topsham pack, but poor tackling from the Sarries cost them the game in the end. A fine solo run from the impressive Jack Searle almost resulted in a fine try but he was just held up when touching down.

 

Exeter Saracens U10's (0 -v- 35) Topsham U10's

 

Match2 This game was a replica of the first encounter with the Sarries tackling costing them the game. Jake Hann looked lively as he tried to break through the Topsham ranks along with Scrum Half Charlie Pike. Sarries battled hard against a tough Topsham side who's experience showed in the end.

 

Topsham U12's v Exeter Saracens U12's

 

With Sarries second fixture being called off due to Tavistock not being able to travel then whole squad pitched up at Topsham.

 

This single game was split into two separate games. With Topsham only at half strength then a huge raft of Sarries players volunteered to play on the Topsham side at some point during the two games. All these players deserve a mention as without them there would have been no games. Well done to Chris Bayliss, Guy Dennys, Jake Hurford, Joe Street, Kai Little, Laurence Parker, Matt Bound, Sam Garner and Theo Thomson.

 

Match1 Sarries looked organised from the kick off with Jack Hamlyn taking the high ball. All players wanted to get involved from the outset, Tom Griffiths being his ever mobile disruptive self and making a real nuisance of him self being notable. All players took the ball to hand in a very structured way with the passes seeing the ball taken to the wings in a very efficient way despite the constant defensive approaches of the Topsham players. Good runs from Owen Mugford, James Tancock and Tom Pugsley with pop passes out of the tackles meant that Sarries were able to keep constant pressure on Topsham which often had both Will Haigh and Fionn Wright streaking up the wings. Any breakdown saw delightful rucking with players setting the position to enable the release by scrum half Dominic Ditchburn to be organised and timed once the whole back line was in position and ready for the next assault. These platforms in the form of rucks mauls and scrums were all set by the ever eager set of Sarries forwards. Good hard work from Jack Price, Hallum Curran and Joe Embury made the business so much easier and manageable. In the scrums, precise striking from Max Augstburger meant that the ball was squirted back to the back of the scrum, controlled by Hamlyn ready for the release. Any defensive kick outs by Topsham were neatly tidied up the Full Back Alex Evens who took the ball back up into play fearlessly. Well executed back moves saw play take place that Topsham just could not answer time and time again. This was all in the face of the ever defiant Topsham defence and every try scored had to be worked hard for by Sarries. In the end Sarries were just too powerful in every aspect of the game for Topsham but especially in the unbelievable support play that they showed for each other.

 

Sarries Man Of The Match – Has to go to Kai Little for the incredible effort that he put in both defensively and in attack for TOPSHAM. A striking performance of someone playing the game well and competitively for the pure enjoyment of a Sunday morning run out.

 

SCORES – Tries - Fionn Wright (2) / Owen Mugford / Jack Hamlyn / Dominic Ditchburn (3) Conversions – Hamlyn (2) / James Tancock (2) / Ditchburn / Tom Pugsley

(Final Score – 0-47)

 

Match2 With a few fresh Sarries legs on for both sides then the second game was underway. Sarries showed that tackling and wrapping the ball carrier up was what was needed now with Hallum Curran, Ash Brindley and Jack Hamlyn all doing their duties in a well disciplined manor. Sarries forward momentum seemed to stutter slightly with the Topsham pack boosted with the addition of Theo Thomson. The back line still functioned well when the ball was released to Joe Parker, Owen Mugford and Will Haigh but this game exhibited far more emphasis on forward domination. The front row partnership of Tom Griffiths, Max Augstburger and Jack Price still worked well with them being backed up by Ross Watts and Curran. Watts’ rucking took a step up when after making an initial tackle, regained his feet, retreated and then drove over the ball in the by then static ruck with all his might to secure the ball ready for the next phase of play. Topsham were now looking a lot more dangerous with several sniping runs having to be addressed by Sarries. Superb tackling by Hamlyn, Ditchburn and Curran ensured that numerous attacks were bought to a halt. One attack by Topsham saw the hugely athletic Thomson on the charge up the wing. In his path stood the small but agile Haigh. It was David and Goliath, but true to form and with and excellently executed textbook tackle Thomson came crashing down with the terrier Haigh around his ankles. Jack Price also showed his metal by diving on a couple of loose balls on the ground then presenting the ball for the Sarries on form rucking machine to secure the ball for the next passage of play. The highlight of the game was Joe Parker receiving the ball just short of his own try line, running backwards over his own try line to evade the advancing Topsham attackers, then to pick a decisive line through the whole Topsham defence to run the complete length of the pitch, just making it over the try line with the Topsham full back around his legs to score what was an amazing try. The match was completed with Topsham getting a well deserved try after a short spell of pressure by Sarries player Joe Street touching down. With the conversion being successful then the final whistle was blown.

 

Sarries Man Of The Match – Hallum Curran for the constant striving and power shown in an effort to make ground where ever possible plus endeavouring to gain possession from the opposition.

 

SCORES – Tries – Hallum Curran / Tom Griffiths / Joe Parker / Aled Rosser Conversions – Dominic Ditchburn / Rosser / Jack Hamlyn / Will Haigh

(Final Score – 7-28)

 

Sarries U12’s had an immense amount to be proud of once again with the way that all players played both in red and in blue, all giving their all.

 

Topsham U13's (24 -v- 12) Exeter Saracens U13's

 

The Topsham/Saracens fixture is often a closely contested affair between evenly matched teams and this was no exception.

 

Saracens have, this season, been a little slow out of the blocks and Topsham took advantage of this initial lethargy to launch a series of backs moves displaying good organisation and incisive lines of running. This quickly led to an overlap on the left wing which was used to good effect to give Topsham an early try which was duly converted. Things went from bad to worse for Sarries when, just a few minutes later, they threw a quick lineout ball straight to a grateful Topsham player who ran in unopposed for the second score. This error finally appeared to rouse the Saracens team who went on to dominate the remainder of the first half. With twenty minutes gone, Sarries produced quick possession from a ruck and their backs moved the ball out to the left wing and then on to Ed Williams who had looped outside from fullback to create an overlap 30 metres from the Topsham line. Ed showed a great turn of speed to evade three attempted tackles and dive over in the corner. Shortly after, Greg Willmington took advantage of a rare handling error by the Topsham centres, showing good footballing skills to kick ahead, then dribble forwards before picking up to score between the posts. James Slater converted to make the scores level at half time.

 

With their tails up, Sarries had the better of the opening exchanges in the second half, pinning Topsham back into their own half. There were fine runs from Ollie Goodfellow and Ollie Palmer in the centres but the Topsham defence held firm before unleashing a devastating counter attack. With the best passage of play in the game, they turned the ball over near their own line, made a number of breaks, recycling the ball quickly after each tackle and eventually scored in the left corner. The scoring was completed shortly after when Topsham won a 5 metre scrum and their fullback hit the line at great pace to drive over. Sarries rallied again and spent the rest of the game on the attack but couldn’t add any more points. Both sides should be commended for the level of skill and commitment displayed and for the excellent spirit in which the match was played. Topsham were worthy winners of a game that was a fine advertisement for junior rugby.

 

Teignmouth U14's (0 -v- 50) Exeter Saracens U14's

 

Sarries travelled to Teignmouth and put in a totally dominant display running in 8 tries and kicking 5 conversions.

 

Their forwards dominated the loose and tight exchanges supplying an exhaustible quantity of quick, quality ball for their backs. The Saracens midfield of Alec Wheatley, Lewis Conibere and Pip Arnold took the game to their hosts with quick passing and their running which allowed the back 3 of Ben Harris, Huw Rosser and Tom Wheeler to Attack Teignmouth out wide.

 

Teignmouth counter attack with spirit and it was the strong tackling of the visitors that kept the home team at bay. Saracens first half tries came from Rosser, Lewis Watts, Lewis Conibere and Will Tavener. Jason Williams added a conversion to give Sarries a 22-0 lead at the break

 

After the break Sarries made several changes in both the backs and forwards but continued their dominance. They continued to support well with both forwards and backs off loading and running well. Their second half tries came from Matt Pullen (2), Alec Wheatley and Rosser getting his second. Conversions were added by Lewis Watts, Jed Riglar, Rosser and Williams.

 

The Saracens players competed well and contested all areas with commitment and courage. Which was a credit to their team spirit and character. Ben Harris was Saracens man of the match.

 

Exeter Saracens U16's (75 -v- 5) Cullompton U16's

 

Saracens have played Cullompton on many occasions and generally speaking have good games of win some, lose some. Today, unfortunately, Cully couldn’t field a full team and had a number of new lads on their side. So abiding by one of the Saracen’s main principles of sportsmanship, Sarries loaned three players per session to Cully to make up the team, which including some of Sarries’ better players in the second half.

 

The match got under way with a Cully kick off that tripped along the ground to be picked up by Saracens. A forward run by the backs passing the ball out to the wing soon saw Sarries back in the Cully half. Some spirited tackling by a couple of the Cully lads brought the play to its first ruck that Sarries won and moved on. Once again the training sessions brought better performances from the lads who for once were safely passing the ball to make steady progress. A good movement in the centre of the field on Cully’s 22 saw Ollie Martin receive the ball and make a few dodges to take the ball across the line for Saracen’s first try which was converted by captain Ory Sharland.

 

It was soon clear that Cully were going to find the going very tough. The best moves came from only a couple of their players and the loaned Sarries lads, but Saracens closed down any attempt to make ground. When Cully did make excursions into Saracen’s territory they were strongly resisted until they either made a turnover ball, or an infringement gave Sarries the chance to exert themselves at set plays. Some fluid good movement of the ball to the wing saw Ben Harper take control of the ball. He broke a couple of good tackles on a long twisting run that took him over the line for Sarries’ second try. A third try came from one of Saracen’s most agile players, Greg Wannell. He received the ball on the wing and worked his way through a mixture of half hearted tackles and more determined players to cross the line for a try.

 

Sadly Cully couldn’t muster the organisation or tackles to hold back Saracen’s attack. That’s not to say they didn’t try at the set plays. Here they tended to win the line outs and strongly contested the rucks, but Saracens’ pack walked away with every opportunity to push Cully back at the scrum. Alex Brown was the next Sarries lad to score a try which Andy Radford converted. A further three tries from Ory Sharland, Sam Hawkey and Ben Alsford, one of which Andy Radford converted took the score at the half time whistle to 41 – 0.

 

Second half saw a different three Sarries lads on loan to Cully, including the determined and spirited (!) Josh Davey. A good kick off by Saracens was quickly followed up by the forwards to ensure that Cully couldn’t run the ball back too far. The rucks were always challenged in the game and Saracens didn’t manage to dominate here but were always quick to close off any chance of Cully making much of an advance. Cully continued to lack the determination or the skill to make effective tackles which was really their downfall throughout the match. In the second half they continued to win many of the lineouts but lost every scrum to Saracens.

 

It was Jack Lander who opened the scoring for Sarries in the second half with two fine tries that he had to work hard to achieve. In close crowded contact Cully managed to hold out Sarries’ attacks but Jack seemed to find a way through. Ben Alsford then worked his way through the field to contribute a further two tries which Andy Radford, returning to kicking duty, converted for the extra points.

 

A bit of a revival then occurred with Cully making an advance mostly through the efforts of their loaned player Josh Davey who worked his way through Sarries’ defence until met by the full back where he was stopped, but not before another Cully lad, Andrew Birt, managed to collect the ball and finish off the job for what has to be said was a bit of a consolation try.

 

Sarries, a little disappointed at not keeping a clean sheet continued to play well and ran in another two tries courtesy of Alex Whitehouse and Jake Robey.

 

Despite the lack of experience of the Cully side and the eventual score line, credit has to go to Cully for not giving up and making a game of it to the final whistle. Too often teams are dispirited by a more able team that run in try after try, but Cully didn’t let that get the better of them, although understandably their heads went down a bit.

 

Man o the match was announced this week by Captain Ory Sharland as Greg Wannell.

Well done lads.