Newmarket 15 - 17 Woodbridge

In this exciting seesaw match, in which each side scored three tries, the result was decided by the only successful conversion kick. Despite some outstanding individual moments Newmarket's general play was disjointed and they struggled to impose themselves on a Woodbridge side that was prepared to pass the ball through hands from almost anywhere on the pitch.


The fragility of the Newmarket defence was exposed early. Losing their own lineout from the second play of the game, the ball was spun quickly down the line for the Woodbridge winger to score in the corner. Newmarket responded immediately and, playing to their strengths, a series of runs by Aiden Cooper, Dan Downing and Dan Bristow brought them close to the Woodbridge line. From a stolen Woodbridge lineout Chris Le lost his bearings and failed to touch down when well over the try line. However, the missed opportunity was soon put right as Nathan Buckle picked up from the back of the scrum to crash over and even the score.


Despite giving away a number of penalties, Newmarket maintained the pressure and were quickly back in the opposition half. Good running and passing between Buckle and scrum half and man of the match Lewis Heap, opened up an opportunity for Cooper who stretched for a fingertip touchdown.


Just when it looked as if the home side might begin to dominate, their failure to put in tackles cost them dear. The height of the rangy Woodbridge No. 8 had caused problems for Newmarket at every set piece. From a fluffed lineout he gathered the ball and ran, untouched by a Newmarket hand, from centre field in his own half out to the wing and back to touchdown under the posts. His two point conversion on the stroke of half time proved to be the winning margin.


Early in the second half the Woodbridge Number 8 got his second try when more missed tackles allowed him to score in the corner from a tap penalty.

After that Newmarket had their backs to the wall and the inability to retain possession and string together moves meant that they were pinned in their own half for considerable periods. However, they had learned lessons and much sterner defence was exemplified by strong tackling from Jack Watson, Ethan Brown and Ian Moffat. Joe Stafford put in some good clearance kicks and Toby Colletta, at fullback, gathered safely and ran strongly to clear danger.


In the last few minutes of the match Newmarket got back on the front foot and won a series of penalties on the Woodbridge 22 metre line. From the last one Dan Downing powered over the line and grounded the ball amongst a jumble of legs and arms. The missed conversion was the last kick of the match.


At the post-match festivities the parents and players thanked the coaches for their work by presenting them with cards and a Christmas tipple.

Sunday 14th December: Home v Woodbridge

The home match against Woodbridge on Sunday starts at 10.30am. Please be at the ground for 9.30am.

This is the last rugby until after Chritmas so contributions of mince pies for post-match celebrations will be much appreciated.

Sunday 7th December: Match cancelled

Ely are unable to raise a team this Sunday, so the match is cancelled. You all get a day off as there will be no training either.

Next training session on Tuesday 9th Dec.

Result: Huntingdon 14 - 12 Newmarket

Away at Huntingdon the ground was heavy going. The forwards started the game well with strong rucks and mauls but the game was still 50/50 back and forth. Nathan Buckle opened the scorig with a try fifteen minutes into the first half.

The backs faired well with a mix of forwards defending anything Huntingdon could throw at them and Connor, playing fly half for the first time, went on to have a good game.

Again in the second half the play went back and forth and then Chris Le broke from a maul to run from half way to score under the posts with Connor converting. Huntingdon replied with drives from their forwards down the pitch to score a try and convert, With the heavy going telling on Newmarket, Huntingdon scored again under the post and converted with a minute to go.

Huntingdon Away: Sunday 30 November

Please arrive at Huntingdon's ground at 10am for 11am match start.

Directions below or on Huntingdon website - www.huntingdonrufc.co.uk

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For those with SatNav, the postcode is PE29 3BN.

At the A1/A14 Junction travel East for about a mile on the A14. You will see the Racecourse on your left. Take the slip road marked B1514 Junction 22 (takes you up to an ugly looking roundabout overlooking the racecourse). At the roundabout follow Brampton/Huntingdon (and Hospital) signs. Straight on at the next roundabout.

Traveling West follow the A14 out of Huntingdon and take left after MARRIOT hotel. Signposted Brampton then follow signs for Hospital and Hinchingbrooke school.

Hinchingbrooke School (on the left) is behind an impressive Old House with a large wall, see signs for hospital. This is approx. 400 yards before the Railway Station. Take slip road on the left. Turn left ... go through two sets of lights. Take second entrance to school on left (Lower School), there is a large car park at front. Now the tricky bit … find the pavilion … just follow the straight road into the school. The pavilion is at the bottom (follow the sun).

Oh No It Isn't!

The arrival of snow blizzards meant that the match was cancelled with most of the team en route to Ipswich.

Three hardy souls (mad fools?) actually arrived at the ground and very much enjoyed the competitive snowballing. So much more fun than playing rugby! The bacon sandwich was OK as well.

Match at Ipswich is on

Ipswich have just confirmed (8am Sunday) that the match is on

Sunday 23rd November: Ipswich away

UPDATE - Ipswich match now confirmed. Please get to the ground for 10am. Match starts at 11am

Thursday 20th November
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Thanks to Amanda, Le, and Kate for doing a great job in the kitchen on Sunday and to the team for a convincing performance.

We are supposed to be away at Ipswich on Sunday. However, we don't yet have confirmation. I will send a further email out once we have details. Please also check here for updates.

Newmarket 27 - 5 Ely

In this game Newmarket confounded their reputation as slow starters. Regaining the ball both from their own kick off and an early Ely scrum they were quickly seven points up, following charging runs by Dan Bristow and a tap penalty that allowed Dan Downing to crash over for the try. Oliver Green kicked the only successful conversion of the game.


The Newmarket forwards have dominated early season play, but from the re-start the backs got into the game with some slick passing. However, it was the No. 8, Nathan Buckle, who got the second try. A Newmarket penalty kick missed touch but Buckle recovered the ball to score. He repeated the performance a few minutes later. Again the backs returned the ball well from the drop out. From the ensuing scrum Newmarket took the ball against the head and Buckle took advantage of a blindside gap to cross the line.


Though they had passed and tackled well Ely had hardly escaped, so far, from their own half of the pitch. With a few minutes of the first half remaining they finally made it into foreign territory. Looking far less convincing defending than they were attacking, Newmarket gave away a series of penalties. From the last one Ely took full advantage of some slow defence to score from ten metres.


Newmarket were immediately back on song in the second half. The ball flowed along the backs and winger and man of the match, Ian Moffat, cut inside, avoiding half a dozen tacklers before touching down just to the right of the posts. However, the forwards had the final scoring word. Flanker Aiden Cooper had harried Ely all afternoon and fully deserved his try in the corner.


Newmarket made some positional changes for the last quarter of the match but found themselves on the back foot. Despite further good runs by Moffat and Joe Stafford, a series of penalties for high tackles and infringements around the ruck gave Ely the advantage. However, determined defence by the whole team, with Jack Watson's crunching tackling outstanding, shut out Ely even when they got to within a few metres of the line.

Sunday 16th November: Home match v Ely

Please be at the ground for 10.30 on Sunday. Light training to start at 10.45 before the match against Ely at 12 noon. It is our kitchen duty on Sunday and so far I have had one volunteer (thank you Amanda). No doubt Penny and I will also be there, but it would be good to have a few more volunteers. This is everyone's responsibility. Its a good week to do the kitchen as it is mainly training for the minis and most of the work will be done by the time the U13s match starts. If you can help please try and arrive at 10am. Adrian would also like two volunteers to put up the post padding, flags etc before the match See you Sunday

Sunday 9th November: Update

There will be no match this Sunday, just training from 11.00 to 12.00

Sunday 9th November: training/fixture?

Please note that the fixture against Swaffham this Sunday has been called off. Instead there will be training at home, starting at 11am.

There is a slight chance that a fixture will be arranged against either Saffron Walden and/or Ely. If that happens then training will be followed by the match at 12 noon.

Please check the blog closer to Sunday in case there are further last minute changes.

The following Sunday - 16th November - we are playing Ely at home. Match starts at 12noon.
That is the day that we are next due for kitchen duty. It will be a heavy day as the minis are all at home that day as well. We need at least 4 volunteers. Thanks, so far, to Biola for volunteering. To everyone else, your team needs you! Names to me, please.

Result: Diss 29 - 0 Newmarket

Match report to follow

Sunday 2nd November: Diss away

The match against Diss this Sunday is confirmed.

It is an 11am kick off. Please be at Diss at 10am for some pre-match training and warm up

Diss website - http://www.dissrugby.com -

Instructions on getting to the ground

"How to find us...

From Diss, head west out of town on the A1066 to Roydon. Drive through Roydon until you get to the White Hart Pub (on the left). Turn right opposite the pub into Bellrope Lane, Diss RFC is approx. 100m on the left. If travelling from Thetford on the A1066, turn left at the White Hart."

No training this weekend (26th October)

No training or match this Sunday.
Usual Tuesday night training next week.
Next match away to Diss on 2nd November. Further details to follow.

Result: Woodbridge 17 - 17 Newmarket

Newmarket started well wth the play coming from the forwards. Dan Bristow broke through the Woodbridge lines to score two tries with a conversion from Oliver Green.

Before half-time Woodbridge played through their backs to touch down two tries.

In the second half Woodbridge ran Newmarket ragged in the backs to score a converted try before Dan Bristow forced his way over the try line to clinch a draw.

Match Report Correction

Apologies to Nathan for a typing error in the match report published in the Newmarket Journal this week. It wrongly attributed his second try to Ethan. My mistake, I'm afraid. I've corrected it in the report on the blog, below, but sorry I can't get the journal re-printed.

Woodbridge Fixture: Sunday 19th October

Next Sunday's match is away at Woodbridge. It will be approximately an 11.40am start (depending on finishing time of preceding match). Please arrive in your kit for 10.40am for warm up, training etc.

Shirt and ties for after the match only.

Ground address and map on the Woodbridge Rugby Club website. Click here

Newmarket 29 - 8 Stowmarket

Newmarket's pack dominated this game, scoring all five of the home side's tries. They would have had more but for fierce tackling from a much-improved Stowmarket side and a number of infringements close to the try line.



Newmarket scored early in the first half with Ethan Brown going over near the posts, but Stowmarket came back immediately. They picked up 3 points from a penalty and only a great tackle by Ian Moffat stopped them following that up with a try. The Newmarket forwards then took control but gave away silly penalties when camped on Stowmarket's try line. However, there was just time before the break for Nathan Buckle to pick up from the base of the scrum and nip over from 5 metres out.

The second half began as the first finished with powerful running by the home forwards that resulted in a try for man of the match Chris Le and a second for Buckle. Stowmarket struggled to get possession, but when they did their backs looked dangerous. Newmarket's wingers, Moffat and Thomas Locke demonstrated great alertness to snuff out a couple of attacks, but Stowmarket deservedly scored when Callum Andrew weaved from the halfway line through the entire defence to touch down near the corner.


Newmarket's final try came from the last play of the match. Turnover ball from a Stowmarket scrum allowed Dan Downing to go over the line and claim the first points of the season for the front row. Joe Stafford kicked the conversion to add to the earlier one by Oliver Green.

Stowmarket Fixture: Sunday 12th October

The U13s have a home game against Stowmarket this Sunday.

The match starts at 12 noon, but please arrive at Scaltback for 10.15am. Team talk and tactical training will begin at 10.30am.

We won both the home and away games against Stowmarket 35 - 0 last season. Let's hope for at least the same again.

County Cup Called Off

I hope you all enjoyed the early morning trip to Wisbech Rugby Club car park. Excellent bacon rolls, but a pity that the tournament was cancelled when we arrived. The photos don't do justice to the terrible weather. However, it was disappointing to pass at least 3 junior football matches on the way home that were in full flow despite the rain.

County Cup: Sunday 5th October

The U13s are playing at Wisbech Rugby Club.

9.30 arrival for 10.00am start

Click here for Wisbech website and directions

Mid-week training

Mid-week training for the U13s will be on Thursdays this year. Arrive 6.30 for 6.45 start. Prompt finish at 8.00pm.

Sudbury 36 – 0 Newmarket

Despite the score line Newmarket could take a lot of positives from this performance. Moving up from mini to youth rugby is a major step and for the whole team this was their first experience of playing 15-aside on a full size pitch. For their first game they faced in Sudbury one of the strongest teams they will meet this season.

So it was a major achievement for the Newmarket forwards to dominate their more experienced opponents at the scrums and lineouts. Although not always as quick to pounce on the loose ball as they could have been, the pack scrapped well for possession and put Sudbury on the back foot with some powerful individual runs and support play.


On the rare occasions when the ball came wide the backs found life a little more difficult against their quick and powerful opposite numbers. Sudbury's full-back was very reliable under the high ball and their outside halves were quick to close down any Newmarket moves. But the real difference between the teams was Sudbury's outside centre. The No. 13 showed real touches of class to weave through Newmarket's defence and score four of their six tries.

The season may have started with a heavy defeat but, on this evidence, there will be quite a few teams over the next six months who will struggle against Newmarket's pace and power. For their all-action performance the man of the match award went to the entire Newmarket pack.

Match against Sudbury

U13s have a match against Sudbury tomorrow - Sunday 28th September

Please arrive in kit at 10.00am (new team shirts will be provided) and bring trousers, white shirts and club ties to change into after their game.

Directions to ground on Sudbury RFC website

Sunday 6th April v Ely

U12s are playing Ely at home on Sunday. Please meet at 10am. The match starts at 11am.

Volunteers are needed for the kitchen.

Newmarket v Bury St Edmunds

Newmarket U12, 7 – Bury St Edmunds U12 A, 26

Although going down by 4 tries to one Newmarket put a magnificent performance and could have made the scoreline much closer but for a couple of try saving tackles by Bury on their own tryline. Newmarket started well with some good passing down the line after gaining the ball from an excellent tackle by Lewis Heap. Gwilym Davies made an excellent break but after the ball came loose an unfortunate high tackle by Newmarket gave Bury a penalty which ended in their first try of the match. Newmarket kicked off and the forwards chased the ball well. After some solid work by the forwards, Winger Ian Moffatt crossed the line for an equaliser for Newmarket, which was converted by Oliver Green. Some good runs by Daniel Dowling and Joe Stafford and fearless tackling by Aiden Cooper gained Newmarket some possession but the ball was lost and Bury went in for their second try.

Thomas Locke managed to stop Bury half way up the field with a strong tackle and Newmarket were awarded a penalty which gave back some much needed territory. The forwards continued to work tirelessly and good tackling by Jack Watson and newcomer Joe Metz hindered Bury but Newmarket were unable to stop two further late tries by the visitors that closed out the game

Newmarket U12, 21 – Bury St Edmunds U12 B, 7

Newmarket stepped up a gear in the second game, knowing they had been unlucky in the first. Some more good running by Metz with support from Chris Le almost took the ball to the try line early on. Some solid tackling by Joe Stafford and a great run up the touchline by touchjudge Simon Jeacock boosted spirits. A long kick by Bury was caught by Joe Stafford who ran the ball back deep into Bury territory but the first half ended with no score.

The second half saw an early try for Newmarket scored by scrum half Heap, which he also converted. Excellent driving by the pack retained the ball for Newmarket and Daniel Bristow crossed the line to score. This was converted by Joe Stafford. Some excellent running by Bristow, and Cooper resulted in Newmarket crossing the line once more but the ball was held up by Bury. Bury came back with one try as the packs began to tire but a cracking try by Thomas Locke towards the end of the match gave Newmarket their much deserved third try, sealing their win.

Sunday 23rd March: No fixture or training

Week off for Easter.

Next training session Tuesday 25th March at 18.45

Next match Sunday 30th March at home to Bury St Edmunds. Kick off 10.30am

Match result: Ely 5 - Newmarket 50

Playing 10-a-side on a small pitch, Ely’s first kick was caught by Lewis Heap. Heap passed to Aiden Cooper, Cooper to Oliver Green, Green back to Heap and in the blink of an eye the first try was scored. In horrible wet, muddy conditions and a howling wind Newmarket chose this match to start playing adventurous running rugby – and how well it worked. Within a few minutes of the re-start Heap was over again for his second try, this time following good runs by Dylan Allan and Thomas Locke. Newmarket were in a ruthless mood and when Daniel Downing was bundled into touch 5 metres from Ely’s line, Joe Stafford was on hand to steal the ball from the lineout and stretch the lead. Ely had no answer to the determination of the Newmarket forwards and good work by Liam John, Ben Jeacock and Oliver Sanusi-Bartlett allowed Chris Le to steal the ball at the ruck and crash through the Ely defence for his first try of the day.

For the second period Newmarket changed their entire team, but it made little difference to the balance of the match. Following an over-long drop out, Ely were pushed off the ball at their own scrum on half-way and Nathan Buckle picked up the ball and evaded the defence to score. In the deteriorating conditions play became a little scrappy with both sides making handling errors and infringing at the rucks. But again Newmarket pushed Ely off their own ball and this time Ethan Brown was on hand to pick up the points. However, Ely had the last word, scoring in the corner following a tap penalty.

In the final period Newmarket scored a further four tries. Three came from long-range runs by the forwards. First Jeacock proved unstoppable from a tap penalty, then Daniel Bristow ran in from the half-way line, before Le got his second of the day. Long passes from Anton Philips at scrum half set up a couple of good runs by Iain Moffat who made good ground. However, the backs had the last word. Gwilym Davies picked the ball off his toes on the half-way line and passed out to Stafford who swerved his way over to score Newmarket’s tenth try.

Dan Downing and Jack Watson were named joint men of the match for bone-crunching, try-saving tackles.

Sunday 16th March: Fixture at Ely (A)

U12s are away at Ely this Sunday. Please be at ground by 10am for 10.30 start.

Directions on Ely's website. Click here

Match Reports v West Norfolk 09.03.08

Match 1: Newmarket U12s 14 - West Norfolk U12s 21

West Norfolk travelled to Newmarket undefeated so far this season and with memories of a very heavy win last season. After the first half of the first match it seemed unlikely that their record would be in danger. Following the first of many lost lineouts Newmarket also conceded the first scrum and, with the defence missing, West Norfolk strolled over for their first try.

From the re-start Newmarket gathered the ball and strong runs by Chris Le and Nathan Buckle, well supported by Josh Quinn, suggested that they should be able to at least compete with the opposition. However, following an exchange of kicks, West Norfolk stole the ball on Newmarket’s throw and their scrum half exploited gaps in the disorganised defence to sneak over from the base of the ruck.

Indiscipline by West Norfolk then gave Newmarket a number of set pieces but they found it difficult to retain the ball. A long kick was gathered just short of his own line by fullback Gwilym Davies, but with limited support he was driven backwards and forced to touch down behind the try line. From the 5 metre scrum West Norfolk made good use of the blindside to power over for their third try.

The half-time team talk had a salutary effect on Newmarket. Early in the second half it seemed as if the two teams had swapped shirts. West Norfolk passed the ball out from a ruck close to their line only for Joe Stafford to put in a terrific tackle that allowed Lewis Heap to pick up the loose ball and immediately reduce the arrears.

No sooner had West Norfolk re-started than Aiden Cooper gathered the ball and broke several tackles to get over the half way line. The ball was quickly recycled to the backs and Stafford went over for the second try of the half.

However, despite solid defence from the whole team, including excellent tackling by Henry Smith, Oliver Sanusi Bartlett, and Dan Downing, and good runs from Thomas Locke and Iain Moffat, Newmarket couldn’t quite find the cutting edge to get the third score and level the match.

Match 2: Newmarket U12s 14 - West Norfolk U12s 21

The second match between the two sides produced an identical scoreline. Once again West Norfolk quickly took a two try lead but, following a strong drive by Dylan Allan from a tap penalty, Daniel Bristow kept his body low to get over the line and cut their lead. In the second half it looked as though West Norfolk had been shaken by their inability to pull away from Newmarket. Strong tackling by Ben Jeacock and Jack Watson kept them on the back foot and a rare poor pass from the opposition fly half was snapped up by man of the match Stafford who proved unstoppable from 30 metres out. Oliver Green added the points with his fourth successful conversion.

The match was now very evenly balanced and West Norfolk must have been worrying about their unbeaten record. However, they controlled the ball well through a series of scrums to take the lead once again. For the last 5 minutes Newmarket threw everything at the opposition, with great runs by Bristow and Ethan Brown who was held up over the line. The final clearing kick was caught well by Davies in his own half, but his jinking run, and the match, ended twenty metres from West Norfolk’s line.

Sunday 23rd March: No fixture or training

A week off for Easter.

Next training session: Tuesday 25th March at 6.45pm

Next match: at home to Bury St Edmunds Sunday 30th March - Kick off 10.30am

Sunday 9th March: Fixture v West Norfolk (H)

We are playing West Norfolk at home on Sunday. Please be at pitchside for 10am.


Gareth

Match reports v Ipswich: Sunday 2nd March

Game 1: Ipswich U12s 26 – Newmarket U12s 7

A slightly depleted Newmarket side found themselves facing one of the tallest, strongest teams that they have come up against this season. Conceding two tries early in the game and a further two after twenty minutes, it looked as though Newmarket were looking at a very heavy defeat. There were glimpses of what might be possible with backs Joe Stafford and Gwilym Davies making significant breaks and the forwards working their socks off to gain possession but as they went in at half-time Newmarket must have feared the worst. However, the U12s have been the proverbial come-back kids this season and this match proved no different.

In the second half Newmarket not only kept Ipswich at bay but took the game to them. The forwards were magnificent. An injury to Liam John meant a re-shuffle with Stafford moving from the backs, but they continued to drive forward, giving scrum-half Lewis Heap ample opportunities to try and catch Ipswich out with blind-side breaks. While the forwards did the hard grind the backs snuffed out the Ipswich attacks. Jack Watson, in particular, led the way with a crunching tackle on his opposite number and was well-supported by Henry Smith, while Thomas Locke, at full-back, safely gathered anything kicked his way.

Finally Newmarket got their reward. Joseph Garrod, playing his first game, had come on as a replacement. Receiving the ball after yet another scrum-half dart, he showed great promise in jinking past several Ipswich players to touch down in the corner. Oliver Green converted the try.

The game was lost but Newmarket had demonstrated great character and the forwards - Ben Jeacock, Ethan Brown, Nathan Buckle, Chris Le, Daniel Bristow, Joe Stafford and Liam John – were named joint men of the match.

Game 2: Ipswich U12s 7 – Newmarket U12s 7

Newmarket carried forward their second-half performance into the shorter second game. Though they again found themselves 7 points down from an early try, the whole team ran themselves into the ground and again largely dominated the second-half, helped by some Ipswich indiscipline. This time the forwards all combined to drive over the line, with Stafford emerging from the bottom of the ruck to claim the try, again converted by Green.

Fixture - Sunday 2nd March: Ipswich (A)

U12s are playing away at Ipswich next Sunday. Directions on the Ipswich website Please be at the ground for 10am.

Please note there is a new fixture for Sunday 9th - at home to West Norfolk.

Adrian needs details of the shirts required for next season by March 5th at the latest. Could you please email the size that you estimate you will need to gareth@charollais.co.uk or select the size by using the voting buttons on the right.

Thanks to Sue Bristow and Penny Moffat for the photos of last Sunday's match against Saffron Walden.

Gareth

Match Results v Saffron Walden 24.2.08

Match 1: Newmarket 7 - 7 Saffron Walden

Match 2: Newmarket 0 - 0 Saffron Walden

The game was entirely dominated by the evenly-matched forwards on each side. Newmarket shaded the first and last quarters, with the honours going to Saffron Walden in the middle periods.

From the first kick off it looked as though Saffron Walden would struggle to contain the Newmarket forwards as they twice moved driving mauls virtually the full length of the pitch to within a few metres of the try line. Daniel Downing, in particular, regularly managed to get across the gain line with support from Oliver Sanusi-Bartlett and Nathan Buckle, but all the forwards could take credit for allowing Ethan Brown to touch down for a converted try. At the lineouts Daniel Bristow caught reliably to put Newmarket on the front foot. However, despite this early dominance there were to be no further scores.

After the turn around Saffron Walden took advantage of Newmarket’s failures in securing ball at their own scrums and lineouts. Their forwards ensured that the game was played in the opposition half and after stealing the ball again from a Newmarket lineout they drove over in the corner to score with the last action of the first match.

On the resumption for match two, the pattern was similar, with Saffron Walden dominating both possession and territory. However, they were unable to make a serious threat on the Newmarket line, largely because of some terrific defensive tackling around the fringes, especially by Buckle, Aiden Cooper, Josh Quinn and Ben Jeacock.

Again, the change of ends brought a change of fortune with Newmarket once more in the ascendancy and camped in the opposition’s half. But with opportunities to spread the ball wide not taken, even when they did cross the line from the inevitable forward drive, a further score was not to be had.

With the ball tied up in rucks and mauls for extended periods of the games, the backs on both sides had few opportunities to show what they could do, though their defensive work was solid throughout. Newmarket’s scrum-half, Lewis Heap, was particularly quick to close down any threats and was deservedly named Newmarket’s Man of the Match.

Fixture v Saffron Walden (H): Sunday 24th Feb

The home match against Saffron Walden is confirmed for Sunday. Please be at the ground at 10am.

Adie is arranging for new match shirts to be available for next season. Could you please come on Sunday with an idea of the shirt size you will need.

See you Sunday

Stowmarket 0 - 35 Newmarket

Newmarket completed the away leg of a season’s double over Stowmarket with a totally dominant performance. In contrast to recent matches Newmarket were quick off the blocks and from Stowmarket’s drop out the forwards gathered the ball and kept it alive through a series of mauls to get within 5 metres of the try line. From the subsequent lineout Daniel Bristow stole the ball and crashed over for the first score.

The next move of the match was almost a repeat performance, though this time the backs were involved before Ethan Brown picked up from the back of a ruck to double the score after only four minutes.

Now brimming with confidence, Newmarket gathered from the re-start and some slick offloading, combined with further steals at the lineouts, moved them to within a few metres of the try line. This time it was Daniel Downing who was able to drive over from the maul.

The Stowmarket kick off went into touch 5 metres from the Newmarket line, but this was the closest they were to get. Nathan Buckle picked up the ball and shrugged off tacklers to run three quarters the length of the pitch. The Newmarket forwards drove Stowmarket off their own ball at the scrum and Ethan Brown touched down for his second try of the match.

In the second half Newmarket continued to dominate both territory and possession, with the backs increasingly getting into the act. However, despite rarely crossing the half-way line, Stowmarket mounted a determined defence and made good use of long kicks to relieve the pressure on their line.

Newmarket crossed the try line several times only for the ball to be held up. It looked as if they would have to settle for a scoreless half until a switch from full-back to second row gave Joe Stafford the chance to pick up from the scrum. His touchdown from short-range with the last play of the match, together with five conversions from Oliver Green, meant that Newmarket ran out 35 – 0 winners against Stowmarket for the second time this season.

Sunday 17th February: Stowmarket (A)

The team is away to Stowmarket next Sunday (unless there is a last minute change).

Directions to the ground on Stowmarket's website.

Training as usual this Tuesday at 6.45pm.

Thanks to everyone who helped in the kitchen on Sunday. It was a sterling effort given the number of teams and visitors around. In future I'd suggest that we consider having a rota arranged in advance so that it doesn't fall on the same people each time.

Newmarket Rearguard Action

In the event only Shelford brought an U12 team for the fixture on Sunday.

Newmarket had mixed fortunes in the two matches but can be very proud of a fighting rearguard performance in defence, once they had shaken off the shock of the first half try count against them.

Newmarket U12 0 – Shelford U12 24

Newmarket made a very slow start to the first match. The combination of an experimental line up and some strong running from the Shelford backs meant they quickly found themselves two tries down and pinned in their own half. With Newmarket unable to get any kind of ball it was no surprise when Shelford ran in their third and fourth tries to take a 24 point lead on the stroke of half-time.

To Newmarket’s credit they didn’t let their heads drop and with a more familiar line up in the second half they defied the odds to prevent any further scores by Shelford.

Newmarket U12 0 – Shelford U12 7

In the second match Newmarket continued the terrific defensive performance with which they had ended the first. Despite being camped near the Newmarket 5 metre line for much of the match, it wasn’t until three quarters of the way through that Shelford managed to touch down for the only try of the game.

Though the Newmarket pack regularly drove Shelford off the ball at the scrum, the team struggled to retain possession and had few chances to post a score of their own. Their best opportunity came after Joe Stafford picked up the ball on his own try line and brushed aside tackle after tackle until finally pulled down only 10 metres or so from the Shelford line.

Sunday 10th February: Shelford + West Norfolk (H)

Match at home next Sunday.

It is the U12s turn for kitchen duty. At least 3 volunteers needed, please.

Also, the club is in need of a new fixture secretary. Anyone interested? Post now filled.

Match results: Sunday 3rd February

Match 1: Bury St Edmunds A 28 - 0 Newmarket

Newmarket played against a much larger squad and despite the opposition’s greater strength in depth put up a magnificent performance. Bury got off to a strong start, but Daniel Downing one of many a great tackles to stop Bury from scoring. Thomas Locke set up a good counter attack after making a good catch and held the ball, gaining a number of metres which ended a series of runs from the Bury attack. The forwards matched Bury for their commitment. Ethan Brown, Nathan Buckle and Ben Jeacock constantly made a good runs with the ball, making hard earnt meters yards before being tackled to the ground by the terrific Bury defence.

Despite Henry Smith’s excellent tackling, at every opportunity Bury's back line made the difference by running the ball down the line to make the breaks, eventually winning the game by 28 points to nil.

Match 2: Bury St Edmunds B 5 - 7 Newmarket

Bury got off to another great start in game two, by scoring a try from a scrum within the first two minutes of the game. Newmarket gathered their thoughts and held Bury in their half for most of the game, due to man of the match, Downing's support play that progressively making Newmarket ground. Brown created Newmarket a great try by pushing forward through Bury's defence,and with another strong conversion by Oliver Green, they came away winning the second match by Seven points to five

Fixture - Sunday 3rd February: Bury St Edmunds (Away)

We are playing at Bury St Edmunds next Sunday.

Please be at pitch-side for 10am

Click here for directions to Bury's ground

Match Reports: Sunday 27th January 2008

Wenden’s Ambo U12, 10 – Newmarket U12, 21

In the first match of the three-way tournament Wenden’s Ambo kicked off and stunned Newmarket with an unconverted try from the second play of the game. Some poor defending allowed the opposition a clear run to the line from a scrum 10 metres out. Although Newmarket worked their way back up the steep slope with strong forward drives, especially from Nathan Buckle, Ben Jeacock and Josh Quinn, the ball was held up over the line and the opportunity to level the scores was missed. When Wenden’s Ambo re-gathered their own penalty and crossed for their second try shortly before half-time it looked as if an uncharacteristically high number of missed tackles was going to cost Newmarket dear.

However, the change of ends brought a change of fortune and from their own kick off Newmarket regained possession for Ethan Brown to touch down. Wenden’s Ambo’s re-start then went short and straight into the arms of Daniel Bristow and following his strong run, Daniel Downing was able to cross the line for his first ever try. With confidence growing from such a quick reversal of fortune, Newmarket then pinned Wenden’s Ambo in their own half. Iain Moffatt was unlucky not to chase down a long kick, but after stealing ball at the resulting lineout Newmarket won a scrum. For once the backs got quick, clean ball and, in one of the best moves of the season, it passed smoothly along the line for wing, Henry Smith, to evade his opposite number and become the second Newmarket player of the match to record his maiden try.

Royston U12, 24 – Newmarket U12, 7

The start of the game showed that Newmarket hadn’t learnt the lesson of their first match. Royston kicked long down the slope, recovered the ball and went straight over to take a 5 – 0 lead. The game had hardly re-started before Royston scored again to stretch the lead to 12 – 0. It was no surprise, and no less than they deserved, when Royston completed the half with a third try from short range.

Newmarket might have hoped that with the slope in their favour they would be able to repeat the reversal of the first match. Unfortunately they were to be disappointed. In a lacklustre performance Newmarket’s downfall was their inability to hold onto the ball in contact. Time and again they found the ball stripped away from them by the more aggressive Royston forwards who also succeeded in preventing any quality ball getting to the backs from the ruck. As a result Newmarket found themselves defending on their own try line and valiantly though they tried they couldn’t prevent Royston’s fourth try.

After some scrappy play by both sides, a rare foray by the backs saw Gwilym Davies make some progress down the middle of the pitch to gain territorial advantage. Newmarket then managed to cross the line several times, one from a blistering run from Christopher Le, only to be denied a score each time by last minute infringements. Just as it seemed that the final whistle would come before the sustained pressure could be turned into points, Daniel Downing rounded off the match with his second score of the day.

Results 27th January 2008

Wenden's Ambo 10 - 21 Newmarket

Royston 24 - 7 Newmarket

Full reports to follow

Sunday 27th January: Royston Away

Royston have confirmed the game for Sunday (though you would be wise to check here again on Saturday).

Please be at Royston's ground by 10.00am. The match will probably start at 10.30am.

URGENT: Royston match postponed until Sunday 27th

Please note, we have just been informed that the Royston match is postponed until next week. Apparently the ground is unfit for play.

Please check later this week (after Thursday) to make sure that the match is on

Gareth
21.00 Sat 19th

Sunday 20th January: Away Match at Royston

We are playing away at Royston next Sunday. Please try and be at the ground by 10.00am.

Directions on the Royston club website.

Tuesday training as normal at 6.45pm.

Match Reports - Newmarket v Swaffham Sunday 13th January

Newmarket U12, 14 – 0 Swaffham U12

A try in each half was enough to give Newmarket victory in the first game. The key to the win however was a very determined tackling performance against a Swaffham side with a quick backline and forwards who were strong in the loose.

Swaffham showed their intent early in the game, stripping the ball from the Newmarket backs at the kick-off but then being driven into touch before they could take full advantage. This set the pattern for the game with the Newmarket forwards providing a solid platform at the lineouts and scrums, but struggling to pick up and go from the rucks. With slow ball coming to the backs, Oliver Green made good use of some tactical kicking from hand to establish territorial advantage, but the home side were unable to turn territory into points until the last play of the first half. In a driving maul from a penalty on Swaffham’s 10 metre line Newmarket drove Daniel Bristow over for a try, by the narrowest of margins.

The second half followed a similar pattern with solid tackling needed to stop the runs of Swaffham’s increasingly influential Number 10. It finshed in an identical way with Newmarket’s second try coming with the last play of the game. Chris Le and Joe Stafford who had been introduced into the second row as an injury replacement interchanged some slick passing before Stafford picked up from the ruck to dive over.

Newmarket U12, 7 – 21 Swaffham U12

Swaffham might have regarded themselves as slightly unfortunate not to have scored in the first match, but they quickly put that right in the second. They caught Newmarket with two converted tries in the first few minutes, before the home side switched on. Once they did, the remainder of the half was much more balanced, with Newmarket unlucky not to score, having a try disallowed for a knock-on on the line.

Early in the second half they did reduce the deficit, with the try of the day after some great support play close to the ruck by Bristow created an opening for Joe Stafford to convert from 5 metres out. But Swaffham had the last word with their Number 10 touching down in the corner for his second try of the match following a mazy cross field run.

Honours were even and both teams deserved to be congratulated for the spirit in which both matches were played.

Fixtures for Sunday 13th and Sunday 20th January

This Sunday coming (13th January) the U12s have a fixture at home against Swaffham. Please be at Scaltback for 10am.

We also need to run the kitchen this Sunday, so please let me know if you are able to help.

The following Sunday (20th) there is now a match away to Royston. Further details to follow.

Ipswich Match Postponed

The match against Ipswich planned for Sunday 6th January has now been postponed until Sunday 2nd March.

Instead it will be training as usual on Sunday.

Please note that there will be a match away aginst Royston on either the 13th or 20th January. Confirmation of the date at training on Sunday or here shortly after.