Knights on Tour!

Ready Willing and Able

This weekend saw the Onedrywash and Autoglass^® sponsored Doncaster Knights under 9’s head to Scarborough for their annual tour. The boys and their families arrived Friday night having travelled from far and wide – Roger (Owains Dad) was stuck in Russia at the start of the week and had to make his way across Europe single handed to be with us – but he made it – well done!!

Once we had all arrived, we headed out for a pre match feast of pizza and burgers before dancing the night away (Ian and Dave led the way).

Pre-Match meal

Friday night fever!

The Haka!!

Sunday saw us head to Scarborough rugby club where the boys were treated to a pre tournament parachute display before getting on with the ‘serious’ stuff – some rugby !

Thomas picks his target!

As is often the theme, the Knights were a bit slow out of the blocks and lost their first game, but that would be their last defeat of the day. Having come from behind to draw with Sunderland , the boys finished the day against Northern, and what a finish it was. As coaches it felt like a whole seasons work had clicked into place. We made a couple of positional changes and the game opened up with some of the best passing and support our backs have shown this season, and some excellent work from the forwards to create a platform. The boys worked just as hard in defence and won the game comfortably, putting themselves right in the mix for the next day.

The fun was only just beginning, as we headed back to our caravan site, the ‘ladies’ on tour felt the urge to challenge the men to a game of touch rugby. Captain BJ offered to referee with the other boys acting as touch judges and support from the sides. The ‘ladies’ played rough from the start and it wasn’t long before BJ had the yellow card out! The game went both ways with the men believing they had won, and the ‘ladies’ looking close to tears, BJ nobly awarded a draw!

Oh no you dont!

Now children - play nicely

We finished the afternoon with our annual presentations, which saw Frazer win the player with the most endeavour, Conor win the most improved player with Oliver in second place and BJ beat Harry to win the players player of the season.

Sunday saw us all head back to the rugby club, with one eye on what looked like a tropical storm brewing overhead, we started the day as we left off with a well earned win against Harrogate which Saw Frazer back up his award with a great supporting try. In our next game, we went from one injury to the next, and ended with our last 9 fit players on the field and a narrow defeat. It would all come down to the last game of the season, the last 10 minutes for the boys to make some memories, and boy did they. They picked themselves up, dusted themselves down and threw everything at Ilkley coming out as well deserved winners – mainly down to the strong tackling of Thomas, BJ and James.

Frazer takes on the world

The boys had taken on all comers and exceeded our expectations with a runners up spot in the end of weekend league table – Well done to all of you !

Tired, Bruised but still Smiling

This was the culmination of a great season, and I would like to thank the boys for their efforts, their families for the loudest support anywhere, the coaches for your help, Jo for organising tour (and putting up with me!) and also Onedrywash for their support of the team – you are helping to make dreams come true – Thank You.

High Expectations Dashed Again!

Coiled Springs

Sunday saw the Onedrywash and Autoglass^® sponsored Doncaster Knights under 9’s make the short trip up the A19 to take part in the Selby Festival. The sun was in the sky, and despite some players and supporters being stuck oversees, the team was confident that this was their chance to shine. The day got off to a great start with a hard earned draw against Moortown. Only a curious decision to disallow what looked like a great try from the skipper kept the team level.

Hands up and check for nits

There was no break before the boys were onto their next game and with a well earned win against the hosts it looked like the day was going to plan. The boys had a long break before their next game, and the refreshment break looked to takes its toll against a giant Dinnington side who looked to be able to destroy anything in its path. A defeat meant that the result of the last game between Moortown and Selby could make the difference between qualification and a trip home. After an even first half, Moortown stepped up a gear and their result meant they went through to the semi finals on points difference.

Spot the ball

Get the Ref!

Catch!

For the boys not going on tour, this was the last rugby of the season, but I am sure it is just the start of a long journey for the team.

Well done to everyone, and a massive thanks to our supporters!

Knights invade York

Doncaster Knights under 9’s

Sunday saw the Onedrywash and Autoglass^® sponsored Doncaster Knights under 9’s head up the A19 to York for another festival of rugby. This was a great chance to challenge ourselves against new opposition with teams travelling from Cheshire , Lancashire and beyond. And challenged we were, the first game saw the team draw with a strong Chester team and despite loosing their captain at half time to a Knee injury, the boys battled away and conceded a late try for the draw.

Between games, the boys decided they could take on the world, and boosted by the recovery of captain BJ, the team threw everything at the rest of the day. Unfortunately there were some really strong teams on display, and the knights despite 100% effort from everyone just failed to make the knock out stages of the festival. The lads were gutted at first, but a reminder from the coaches about the rules of the team soon saw everyone with a smile back on their faces and remembering what a great day playing rugby they had had.

This is a team who are building in confidence every week, and learning their craft. They will go on to have some great times together and who knows they may even pick up a trophy or two along the way, and some of them may grace out TV screens in years to come – Well done boys – Keep up the hard work !!