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.

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.

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.

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!

Onedrywash continues support for the youth Knights

SJ hands over the shirts

Onedrywash has announced this week that they will continue to support the soon-to-be-under 10's at Doncaster Knights. Team Manager Ian said, "The team finished the season really strongly back in April, and everyone is really excited about what we can go on to acheive over the coming years, and the support of Onedrywash will enable us to further enhance the rugby experience of all our players, for which we are really appreciative."

Tim Jones, Onedrywash Chairman, said, "We are, of course, thrilled to be able to continue our support of the team and look forward to seeing them grow over the coming seasons - good luck to all of them."

Latest from the Knights

BJ and Aaron

Congratulations to Aaron and BJ who have once again been chosen to represent their school team - despite being 3 years younger than most of the team!!

Last week, they took part in the South Yorkshire finals at Barnsley Rugby Club, where they finished in the top 3. A fantastic acheivement from the 570 teams that set out on the journey.

This week, they headed to the Yorkshire finals under the watchful eye of coach Mark, and aimed for a place in the National Finals. They worked really hard, and made it through to the final group stages only to miss out in the last round of games – well done boys !

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.