Match reports: Sunday 11th November 2007

Shelford 7 – 7 Newmarket

The first half showed each team to be equally matched. Newmarket had an excellent defence with the pack working very hard to try and win ball in open play. A good drive forward and solo effort by Daniel Bristow nearly resulted with the first try of the game but Shelford’s defence held strong leaving the half time score 0-0.

Newmarket dominated early in the second half taking advantage of Shelford’s mistakes resulting in Nathan Buckle scoring the opening try, which was converted by Oliver Green. Shelford then mounted a come back which Newmarket managed to hold off incredibly well but eventually the Shelford backs managed to break the deadlock with a dazzling run by their centre and winger culminating in an outstanding try at the corner post. This was also converted leaving the score equal at 7-7 with only minutes to play. Again Shelford attacked the Newmarket line but fantastic tackling by the away team especially Gwyllam Davis prevented Shelford from breaking through to score. In the last minute of play Newmarket won a free kick which was taken quickly and again the powerhouse Bristow ran at the defence of Shelford from about 50 yards and got to within inches of the try line but was prevented from scoring at the last play.

The match ended in a draw and it appeared that all the extra training had finally paid off and now Newmarket under 12’s are a force to be reckoned with at any level of rugby.

Newmarket 0 – 21 Bedford

Newmarket found it hard to get into the match after such a huge performance in the first, most important game.

Bedford forwards dominated the loose ball and scored two good tries before half time.

During the second half there was some good defending by Bedford preventing Newmarket from replying.

Unfortunately Bedford put one more try past the tiring Newmarket boys leaving the final score 21-0,which under the circumstances was a very good performance bearing in mind the fact that Bedford has a school of excellence and some very experienced players to assist with their youth team development.