Mothers Day at Headingley

Sunday saw the Onedrywash sponsored Doncaster Knights under 10s take a team to play at Headingley for what will probably be the last time.

We had a great day out, and as BJ shared out the chocolates to celebrate Mothers Day, the Leeds mascot Terry the Tyke came to sit with the team. Having tried to steal a few chocs and a pint of beer from one of the dads, he left us to it with his best wishes for a good game.

As Leeds Carnegie went into the break looking like they might record their second home league win of the season and get one step closer to avoiding relegation, the Knights took to the field against Keighley.

The game was tight on a very small pitch, but somehow BJ managed to squeeze free and put the Knights in front. Some great defending on their own line meant they were still in it when BJ broke free again and looked like he would double the lead - it wasnt to be, a last ditch tackle saw BJ sprawled across the Headingley turf with what would turn out to be a season ending dislocated shoulder and broken collar bone !

Still reeling, the Knights conceded a quick try, but then Corey, Liam, Olc, Ol D, Frazer, Rory, Josh and Joe pulled together and gave it their all - I was really proud of their efforts, but another try for Keighley was to prove too much for the Knights on the day.

Carnegie did go on to win, which was at least some comfort for BJ.

2 weeks to our Scarborough tour, and we are all really looking forwards to it - watch this space for updates.

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.

A bright but cold Sunday morning saw the Onedrywash sponsored Doncaster Knights under 10s training for their game against Matlock next weekend. We were privileged to have a visit from our first team Mentor Chris and Onedrywash Chairman Tim Jones.

Hopefully what they saw was the boys really bouncing back from a touch week at the office in York last weekend. They trained really well, and really looked composed and confident on the ball. Hopefully we can take this to match day next weekend.

Great to see Owain back from injury, and and excellent performance from player of the day James - well Done boys - keep it up

Try Fest In Sheffield

Sunday saw the Onedrywash sponsored Doncaster Knights under 10s make the short trip down the M18 to Abbeydale Park in Sheffield.

After an energetic warm up, the boys took on Sheffield and despite having crossed the line with what looked like a great try for Frazer, it was Sheffield who edged ahead. It was a titanic battle, with the forwards working hard to knock each other over, and the backs passing and runnng with real style - was it finally clicking into place - well almost, but game 2 was to prove the highlight of the day.

After a short break, and a few changes, the team set about putting things right from the first game, and boy did they. With tries for forwards and backs, some of the best passing and running we have seen this season, the Knights bossed from start to finish, conceding only once late on, but having scored a hatful themselves.

A fantastic effort, a great game and a deserved result - well done boys, and especially player of the day Lewi.

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!

Who is the Mystery Player?

Sunday saw the Onedrywash and Autoglass^® sponsored Doncaster Knights under 9’s hard at work. They were training for the 3 remaining festivals this season, looking to improve on the runners up spot at their home festival last week.

Guess who!!

During training, this shot was captured of one of the players ‘hiding’ away – but who is it? The first person to email the coaches with the correct answer will win a mystery prize – will it be you?

Good Luck !!

Don’t forget to watch this space for an update on the Knights’ progress after Easter.

Good luck to the Knights

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Sunday sees the Onedrywash and Autoglass®-sponsored Doncaster Knights under 9’s take on all comers in their annual festival of junior rugby at Castle Park. The festival has a proud tradition of fun for everyone, and being played at Castle Park – the home of the most promoted rugby team in English rugby history - gives it a special edge.

We will field 2 teams this weekend, reds and blues, both of whom will be proud to carry the name of OneDrywash on their chests. Team captain BJ and Joe have both said they are really excited and hope to do the club, their families and the OneDrywash name proud.

Good luck to the boys – if you are in the area, games start at 10:30am, why not come along and offer your support? If not, watch this space for a festival update next week.
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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!