FESTIVAL DAY AT LAST !

Sunday saw the Onedrywash sponsored Doncaster Knights under 10s enter 2 teams into their home festival, the boys had prepared well and expectations were high. Both the reds led by Conor and the Blues by BJ had a genuine chance of making it through to one of the 2 knockout competition semi finals.

Both teams competed well throughout the morning, coming off second best in some very tight encounters, but all still smiling, and still believing they could acheive something from their day.

As lunch approached, there was a buzz about the place, would history repeat itself and the boys meet in the semi final again ? It wasnt to be, the boys had been drawn apart, but had a great opportunity to meet in the final. The last fit and standing players took to the field for battle, looking weary, but still believing. Conor led by example as he had done all day for the reds and took his team in search of a well deserved win, but it wasnt to be - they came up just short and like last year would go no further than the semi finals. In the other game, the blue team finally showed what they were capable of running in 3 great tries and celebrating all the way to the final. Could they go one step further than last year and win it for the squad ?

Unfortunately it wasnt to be, and the pain was clear to see for everyone - the boys had given everything, but for the second year running come up short in the final - 3rd time lucky next year ??

Well done boys, great effort from everyone - be proud and come back stronger - TOGETHER WE CAN !

One Week and Counting ...

Sunday saw the Onedrywash sponsored Doncaster Knights under 10s left at Castle Park for another training session following the late cancellation of their game.

The boys wasted no time getting stuck into a full practice match and preparing themselves for next weeks festival.

We will field 2 very strong and very capable teams next week, and all eyes will be on Castle Park to see how the boys fayre in their home festival.

Great session today - good luck for next week and a special well done to players of the day Ol C and Liam.

Still Working Hard

Sunday saw the Onedrywash sponsored Doncaster Knights under 10s training at Castle Park, and we took the opportunity to move onto the bigger pitch we will use next season, and play with next seasons rules. The boys had more space, extra players and the added interest of kicking.

Together we worked through the different stage of the game, and finished with a full game with all the players handling well, tackling strongly and some great kicking - both out of hand and in front of goal. Everybody thinks they can kick, but choosing the right kick at the right time and executing it well is a difficult art to master, and everyone showed some real promise.

Next week we are back to matches, with only a week to go until the Doncaster Junior rugby festival - good luck boys !

Back To Basics

Sunday saw the Onedrywash sponsored Doncaster Knights under 10s back in training after a tough couple of weeks of matches. Next season, the boys will step up another level and introduce a second row to the scrums, a full back and the mysterious art of kicking.

Bit by bit we are starting to introduce these to the boys, and this morning saw us play our first practice match with a 5 man scrum, and the boys really handled it well.

With ears taped up the boys tried out a host of new positions, and they looked like they had been doing it for years.

Well done boys, a great effort all round, I can't wait until next season !!

A day out in Derbyshire

Sunday saw the Onedrywash sponsored Doncaster Knights under 10s cross the border into Derbyshire for a rematch against Chesterfield. Earlier in the season the sides had drawn 10 - 10 at Castle Park and they were on the hunt for a more positive return.

The Knights had a great start and for a rare moment this season, they actually led the game and werent having to come from behind. Some excellent running from Corey and a great offload saw Joe run in a great try.

It wasnt long before Chesterfield were back in it and the sides were all sqaure going into half time.

Some fantastic tackling from the Knights kept them in it and the sides traded territory and possession throughout the second half but neither could break the deadlock and it finished honours even.

The effort was clear to see and the boys were gutted but they should be proud of their efforts.

Now the focus had to turn to game 2, both sides were keen to change the result, and 2 completely different sets of players took the field. The Knights were driven on by a battling Owain and they started to look like they might edge it. That was until Chesterfield sent on some of their more established players from the first game, and they just seemed to have too much fire power for the Knights.

The boys stuck at it and never gave up on the task - another fabulous effort.

Special mention to players of the day Aaron and Thomas - well done !

A tough day at the castle

Sunday saw the Onedrywash sponsored Doncaster Knights under 10s host local rivals York in a keenly anticpated rematch. Earlier in the season York had dominated the fixture, and with the Knights finding the winning trail in recent weeks, they couldn't wait to get stuck in.

The first game was evenly contested until York finally got on the scoreboard, and they went on to open up a good lead. However the game wasn't over, and with a couple of small changes to the team, they threw everything at York and came within one score of tying the game. It was a really positive finish and a great platfrom to get back to winning ways.

The second game went in much the same way, York got off to a great start and opened up a lead only for Doncaster to fight their way back in. There was some huge effort on show and the Knights were unlucky to comne off second best.

The boys really worked York hard, and the improvement was there for everyone to see - next week we are off to Chestefield and determined to get back to winning ways !

Well done everyone and especially coaches award winneres Josh and Liam.

More of the Same

Sunday saw the Onedrywash sponsored Doncaster Knights under 10s pick up exactly where they left off at Dinnington last weekend with a well deserved win.

This week the team have spent some time in the gym working on passing and support play, and they brilliantly carried it through to the game with several well worked tries coming from all over the pitch, back and forwards alike.

The boys worked really hard on a cold, damp and muddy morning in Matlock and should be really proud - bring on York next week.

Well done to every single one of you, especially players of the week - Jack and Conor - both try scorers !

Wet and Windy

Sunday saw the Onedrywash sponsored Doncaster Knights under 10s back in training following their excellent performance at Dinnington last weekend. Training consisted of a number of team exercises to help the boys build further on their great team spirit.

The boys carried a stash of training kit, including a tackle shield, balls, cones, agility ladders, bibs and water bottles round a course. The aim was to run as a team and work together to ensure everyone and all the kit completed in tact and together. It was a huge success with all the teams completing the exercise.

Then we moved onto some group skills exercises which developed into a game. The rules of the game were simple - everyone had to muck in whatever their position, and tries would only count if the dive was bigger than Chris Ashtons for England in Cardiff on Friday night !

The session finished with some puddle surfing, and the weekly awards - well done to this weeks winners James and Frazer.

What a session - what a team - well done boys - keep making us proud !

I told you so !!

Sunday saw the Onedrywash sponsored Doncaster Knights under 10s take on more local rivals in the shape of Dinnington and Scunthorpe - and what a day !!

The team performed together and for each other, there was passion from every player and tries were free flowing. Only a last minute refereeing decision gave Dinnington a draw in the first game, but the team regrouped and went on to beat Scunthorpe.

This was an outstanding effort from every player, and the parents who never stopped shouting. Well Done to BJ and Corey on winning the coaches awards, but a big well done to everyone.

More of the same please boys !!

It's coming ......

Sunday saw the Onedrywash sponsored Doncaster Knights under 10s take on local rivals Sheffield Tigers. The boys played 3 games allowing the ever growing squad of almost 30 players to all get some game time, and us as coaches to look at lots of different options.

Technically, the boys are playing some great rugby, and but for one or two missed tackles at the crucial moment, they would have recorded their first win of 2011.

As it was, they were one score away on each occasion !!

There was some great work in all 3 games, with special mentions to Thomas, James, Ryan, Corey and the Morgan - Lister coaches award winners BJ and Conor who led from the front all day.

Next week see us make the trip across to Dinnington with everyone believing the win is coming ...

Back to Business

Sunday saw the Onedrywash sponsored Doncaster Knights under 10s back in action for the first time in 2 months, and what a great job they did.

The visitors to Castle Park were Hull Ionians - who are renowned for their tough, direct playing style, and would be a great test for the team.

The boys got stuck in and stood toe to toe throughout, unfortunately coming off second best by the narrowest of margins.

We were really proud of what the boys acheived today, and if this is a sign of things to come - we cant wait !!

Well done to the first recipients of the Morgan-Lister coaches awards Owain and Jack.

Final Preparations

Sunday saw the Onedrywash sponsored Doncaster Knights under 10s back into full training in preparation for next weeks game against Hull Ionians. We started the day with our post Christmas fitness tests - which everyone managed to complete........ just !!!!

The pitch was still a bit firm, but the boys worked really hard and finished with a great game of touch and pass. well done everyone, especially player of the day Ryan. Bring on Ionians !!

Behind the scenes at Headingley

New Years day saw a chance for the Onedrywash sponsored Doncaster Knights under 10s to go behind the scenes at Headingley as Leeds Carnegie prepared to play Gloucester in the Aviva Premiership. They must have had an impact as Leeds went on to record their first win fo the season. Huge thanks to fromer British Lions favourite John Bentley for the time he gave to the boys.

Another chapter in the Knights' tale

Thursday saw the team have one of their now famous summer get togethers, but
with only a month to go, the real work started!!

and so it begins ...

The boys were put through their paces for over an hour, and miraculously were all still standing at the end (or at least crawling!!). The key to success is team work followed closely by fitness, and these session are designed to work on both of these. With Captain BJ joining in for the first time since breaking his collar bone a month ago, he lead the team through their running drills, before bowing out as it got more 'physical'.

The boys looked in good shape and certainly good spirits, heres to another great season - good luck boys!

Girls do their bit for the team

Sunday 4th July saw the annual Jane Tomlinson Leeds 10k road race, drawing competitors from all over the country including a heavily pregnant Paula Radcliffe, Joe Swash, Gemma Atkinson and Emmerdale's very own ‘Eric Pollard’!

In it together

Jo and Sharon headed to Leeds to compete and raise money for their chosen beneficiaries – Jo has been running a series of races this summer to raise money for the rugby team, and having already completed her first off road race with the Sandall Beat 10k in Doncaster, it was time for race 2.

The girls met eagerly at 7:45am in the hotel, with their personal bag men (Mick and Mark) and headed for the start. Once the girls were safely delivered, the boys headed to McDonald's for a well deserved breakfast before beginning their zig-zag across the city to support the girls along the route.

Joined by Ian and his family, we all took up position by the finishing straight and waited for the girls – first we saw a heavily pregnant Paula Radcliffe, then a couple of smurfs, a clown, a couple of other celebrities, then through the crowd we saw Jo, she managed to give the cheering kids a wave as she passed us by. Then we saw a shark, big bird, a limping ‘Eric Pollard’ and over the hill came a ‘smiling’ Sharon – great news we were all in time for lunch !!

Thanks to the girls for their efforts – and don’t forget Jo is planning to do the Doncaster town centre 5k and a half marathon later in the year to continue raising money so its not too late to sponsor her.

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!

Latest from the Knights

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Together, we can!

Slllaaaapppp!!

Ready

I don't like to have to do this - but!!

Sunday 18th saw the Onedrywash and Autoglass®-sponsored Doncaster Knights under 9’s make the short trip up the A19 to Selby

It's always a tough trip, and as the winter viruses started to rob us of one or two players. It was looking harder by the minute. In game one, the first quarter was evenly matched, and the Knights tackling and desire seemed to have improved massively from last week, but eventually Selby broke the dead lock and with it, the Knights' hearts. The team battled well and got to half time still in touch with the opposition, but it was clear Selby wanted to inflict defeat on the auld enemy, and they kept coming. The forwards worked tirelessly and the 2 James’s ran at anyone and everyone, while Jack and Conor set about knocking down the Selby runners. The effort never stopped and the team was rewarded late on with a great solo effort from the Skipper.

Between games, the coaches talked to the players about belief and the feeling of having given their all. We talked about how Ian (sadly absent today due to an unplanned stay in hospital) would be twitching in his bed at the thought of the boys not enjoying themselves. All we asked was that they put a smile back on their faces and remembered "together we can".

The second game started very tightly again, but this time it was the Knights who got the upper hand as they looked to be settling back into their stride. Once again, the forwards set about ‘banging’ into people and now the backs found the confidence to start running and handling like we know they can. It was a fantastic effort and the reward was a well deserved – a massive turn around that every player should be proud of .

WELL DONE BOYS!
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Knights begin the long season

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Don't stop me now!

Ready when you are!

Sunday saw the Onedrywash and Autoglass®-sponsored Doncaster Knights under 9’s enter into their first competitive game following their exhibition at Headingley last weekend.

Everyone was up for the challenge of a Newark side who had beaten all comers in their opening tournament last weekend. The dressing room bounced to the sound of Scouting for Girls as the team prepared for battle. They trained well and looked ready for the challenge, but this was new territory. The boys were no longer trying to knock over a team mate in training; they now had complete strangers trying to knock them down, and the first half took its toll. After some changes and some words from the coaches, the team set about the second half with renewed vigour, and started to put into practice some of what they had learned. They looked much more relaxed and started to pass, tackle and even fight for the ball. The result didn’t go their way, but the team came a long way during this game. During the second game, the team looked to be working much better together, and resisted the advances of Newark for a longer period. They battled hard and were once again edged out of a competitive game.

Today's experience will be invaluable to the team, and they will go from strength to strength as the season progresses. I was especially proud of the efforts of everyone today and the smiles afterwards. The boys knew they had been tested, but know what they have to work on. Well done to Jack who took the Player of the Day having contributed massively in both games, and to BJ who ran himself to a standstill for his team. A special mention to Josh who broke with tradition by scoring so early in the season, and to Thomas for his tackling and James for his tireless running. A huge thanks to Mick for refereeing, and last but not least, thanks to the parents, who at times looked more nervous than the boys (and me). Your support is greatly appreciated.

Good luck for Selby next week.

Scarborough Rugby Festival

Doncaster Under 8’s Update

Afternoon Training for the coaches

Showing off their medals

The Grey Mist closes in

Twinkle Toes strikes again

Billy Whiz addresses the team

Last weekend, the Miracle Drywash and Autoglass® sponsored Doncaster Under 8’s headed away for their first ever tour. The destination was Scarborough; the sun was trying to break through and the team were dressed to impress in their pink tour t-shirts. Friday night saw the team strut their stuff amongst the dance troops that were in town, and the parents were even questioned whether the funky pink brigade were here for the rugby or the dancing.

Saturday Morning dawned on a tired team and, as is becoming customary in festivals, we got off to the worst start losing to Blackburn. The team rallied and under the watchful eye of coach Jo, they came back to have comprehensive wins against the host team, Scarborough, and Yorkshire rivals, Yarnbury. Although the festival was played for participation and enjoyment, everyone was pleased to be top of the table at the end of Day 1. An afternoon of fun and games followed before pizza for everyone and a night of judging Britain's Got Talent and some very in-depth conversations about celebrity status.

Sunday morning arrived and with a very quiet pitch (most teams were still in bed when we arrived), the team started to shake out the cobwebs and set about the day's task of rugby and fun. The day started with the rematch against Blackburn, and the team worked really hard to earn a draw. Then after refueling on Milky Bars, and the coaches starring on TV, the team went on to beat Scarborough and Yarnbury again, meaning that unofficially, they finished top of the league for the weekend. Only one thing left to do – collect their medals !!

Before leaving for home, Captain BJ Howe gave a post match speech over lunch, and the boys were presented with a momento of their weekend and some awards for their endeavours. Most effort went to Frazer "Grey Mist" Eland, top try scorer went to Aaron "Twinkle Toes" Donald, and player of the weekend as voted by the opposition coaches went to BJ "Billy Whiz" Howe.

Well done to everyone for their efforts, and a massive thanks to Jo for organizing the whole weekend.

Knights take on all comers!

Non-contact rugby

The Doncaster Knights under 8’s play host to teams from all around the area in their festival of rugby

Last Sunday (5th April) saw the Miracle Drywash and Autoglass®-sponsored Doncaster Knights under 8’s play host to teams from all around the area in their festival of rugby. It was a fantastic sunny day, and after a lot of work from team manager Ian, the day eventually got under way with the teams needing to get through 10 games between them.

The red team got off to a flyer and, despite having to come from behind, they got a draw with arch rivals Selby. The day continued in the same vein for the reds as they notched up successive draws and a couple of hard-fought wins. They were led by Captain BJ Howe who ran in a hat full of tries, with almost the entire team getting on the score sheet. Ben Rivers once again rose to the occasion of playing on the first team pitch and scoring a couple of great tries which showed his ability to run strongly with the ball in his hands.

The red team eventually got edged (or should we say battered?) out of a close contest with Goole, meaning they finished 3rd and just outside the final places. The Blue team was led by James Chapman, and looked to be having a great day. There was some really determined running, and despite being wrestled to the ground in this physical, non-contact support, the smile on Luis Haythorne's face at the end of the day made it all worthwhile. There was some great displays from the new faces in the team, and again finishing fourth, they were just outside the final places.

It was a great day for the kids and coaches; we got to use the first team dressing room, play on the first team pitch and climb the steps to collect a medal at the end of the day. Here's hoping we can go one step further at the Scarborough international festival in a couple of week – well done boys!