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 !

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 !

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.

A Sunday to Remember

Sunday saw the Onedrywash sponsored Doncaster Knights under 10s make the trip north up the A19 to York, always a tough trip, and this year was no exception.

It was remembrance Sunday, and the boys took time as a team to remember those who had given their lives whilst fighting for their country, with an impeccable period of silence - well done and thanks boys.

The rugby was a very different affair, with lots of noise off the field and on it, amongst the confusion which seemed to reign throughout the first game.

We were playing on a huge pitch with a free flowing referee which often made it difficult for the boys to understand the decisions when the ref went back to them, but we got the hang of it and scored some great tries following some huge efforts. Frazer scored his first try of the season (second of his life !!) following last weeks strange decision not to reward him when he crossed the line, and the effort from the whole team meant we finished the stronger.

We changed the entire team for the second game, and things seemed to go much smoother with clearer direction from the ref making it easier for the boys to get on with what they had come to do - play rugby and enjoy themselves. Some big tackling from some of the backs, and a massive effort from eventual player of the day - Ryan saw a much closer game second time around.

Some valuable lessons were learned - play to the ref, focus on your game and most important keep having fun, which is exactly what we did - great effort, well done boys !!

Is it a bird ????

the Onedrywash sponsored Doncaster Knights under 10s are really lucky to have a great bunch of parents who follow them all over the county to watch them play and shout on their support. Sunday is never Sunday without the rumble of a Northern Irish accent from Brian shouting for Conor and the boys.

Nothing is ever too much trouble for Brian, and he faithfully rode and drove his way round the half marathon course recently to support Jo on her fundraising epic.

Not satisfied with his contribution to that cause, when asked recently to support some friends on a sponsored abseil, Brian went one further and launched himself from the top of the stand at Doncaster race course to help raise money - well done Brian, we are all very proud of you !!

One week and counting

A fresh autumn morning greated the Onedrywash sponsored Doncaster Knights under 10's as they entered the last Sunday session before their matches start next weekend. This morning was about getting match ready, and we spent most of the morning playing short games to put into practice the last month of training exercises.

What a great session, everyone stepped up to the plate, BJ looked to be recovering some form after injury with a hatful of tries, Thomas was back running and tackling like we know he can and Liam was charging round like trojan horse - must have been the new boots !!!! - he was rewarded with player of the day.

Next week sees the team make the trip up to Driffield, and we are all really looking forwards to getting stuck in - although part of us will be thinking about Jo on her fundraising Half Marathon - Good Luck from all of us.

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.

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 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 !!

Knights continue their winning ways

As was always the plan this season, the Onedrywash and Autoglass^® sponsored Doncaster Knights under 9’s have worked very hard at the transition from TAG to contact rugby. There was never a rush to ‘win games at any cost’, we wanted to make sure the boys got to grips with the game step by step, and despite the weather since Christmas, that plan is coming to fruition with the side undefeated in the second half of the season so far.

Owain gets his instructions from the sideline

Sunday saw the visit of Old Brodlians to the castle, and the Knights wasted no time in putting them to the sword racing into an early lead with almost the first play of the game. The team worked really hard and pressured Old Brods into mistake after mistake allowing them to kick on for a great win. Player of the day – Scrum half Ol really directed his troops and with a couple of tries to his name took the game by the scruff of the neck. Captain BJ and the rest of his backs line put into practice what they have been learning, and managed to keep the scoreboard ticking over for an impressive win.

Ol encourages the ref!

Game 2 saw a complete change of playing personnel for the Knights and a renewed enthusiasm from Old Brods, but some determined running from Conor and aggressive ‘wrestling’ from Fraser saw the knights hang in there until game 2 captain Joe popped up on the wing to race in for a try to tie up the game.

Clear the way - Conor on the move!

This was a fantastic day for the team – showing how focussed they have remained throughout the long winter – well done boys – keep it up!!

Mark Howe
Central Support Manager, Retail Repair
Autoglass^®

Cold Weather Training for the Knights

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Sunday 31st January saw all games called off for the Autoglass^® and Onedrywash^® sponsored Doncaster Knights under 9’s, but not to be out smarted by the weather, the team found a spare bit of land behind the pitches and spent a couple of hours running through their drills. Plenty of passing, running, lineouts, and break down practice was the order of the day.

Cold weather training!

Thanks to everyone who was able to make it; here’s hoping the weather improves this week so we can get some practice before our second trip to Leeds Carnegie this season.
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The Sponsors come to visit

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From left to right: Mark Hillyer, Autoglass® territory manager
for the north, captain BJ and vice-captain Oliver
(receiving their shirts), SJ Khebbal, Onedrywash CEO

Ben applauds man of the match Jack

One Drywash and Autoglass®-sponsored Doncaster Knights under 9’s match report

Sunday saw SJ make one of his now famous waterlogged trips North. Everytime he has been to see the boys over the last couple of seasons, it has rained, been cold and generally very unwelcoming!

Fear not – the boys decided to make it a day to remember, and with the visit of Sheffield Tigers who act as a feeder club to the first team, they set about putting the many pieces of the jigsaw together all in one game. All season, we have done different things really well as a team, but today – as if to honour the water logged SJ, the boys put everything together in one game, and it was fabulous to watch.

Eventual player of the week – Jack - scored his first, and then second tries of the season.

Jack finally crosses the line

Top Tackler, Dan, lead by example. Harry and Lewi celebrated their birthdays with a massive effort for the team, and the Captain himself – BJ, seems to be settling into his new role at Stand Off, and at last finding some space to open the backs up for a run.

BJ tiptoes through the land of the giants!

Thomas (pictured below) is so used to beating opposition players, he has now mastered it with his eyes shut!

He's so good, Thomas can do it with his eyes closed

It was a cold, wet and muddy day for everyone, particularly our visitor from the South, but we were all warmed through by this massive effort from the boys, who never once moaned about the conditions, and did everything that was asked of them. Days like this are what rugby is made of, and we, as coaches, were proud to be a part of it.

Well done boys !!

Mark Howe
Central Support Manager, Retail Repair
Autoglass®
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A day in the country

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Thomas checks the grounding!

KICKABOUT!

Conor hangs on

BJ launches his back line

Sunday saw the One Drywash and Autoglass®-sponsored Doncaster Knights under 9’s head out to the countryside with a first-ever trip to Market Rasen.

Having squeezed into the smallest changing room on record, the boys couldn’t wait to get out into the country air and get stuck in. After a thorough warm up, the boys set about trying to overturn the unwanted record of losing the first game each week! Last week's training really looked to have paid off as the forwards set about doing the work that had earned them the nickname of the ‘donkies’ and they worked hard to secure plenty of ball to make the backs look good and, but for a couple of missed tackles, the knights gave their best performance of the season but were once again just edged out.

We made several changes for the second game, including some positional ones but were able to pick up where we left off, and for the first time this season, we rolled the ball through several phases and took the lead in a game.

Not for long though. As the boys were still patting each other on the back and enjoying their moment, the Rasen boys picked up the tempo and again a couple of missed tackles cost the Knights. The game continued to go back and forth, but some excellent handling and brilliant running saw Conor go close, before Thomas ran almost onto the next door pitch to score and secure another game-2 win.

Next week sees the visit of Sheffield Tigers to Castle Park and I know we are all looking forward to more of the great attacking play we saw today, especially as SJ is coming to watch!! Well done to everyone, and a special mention to Thomas as top tackler, Conor as top metre maker, Owain for an outstanding effort for the team and BJ who was player of the week.

Good luck for next week boys.

Mark Howe
Central Support Manager, Retail Repair
Autoglass®
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Knights update

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Stand clear - forwards on the loose!

Ease up Jack, I'm on your side!

Sunday was due to see the One Drywash and Autoglass®-sponsored Doncaster Knights under 9’s take on big local rivals Rotherham Titans in an attempt to overturn the first team's narrow loss the previous day. Unfortunately, the Titans were unable to field a team, and the Knights got the opportunity to take on a tough training session under the autumn sun.

Whilst the boys love to play, it is important during this massive year of transition that they get the chance to work on the new skills without the pressure of an opposition, and that’s exactly what we did.

Today was about getting the team working for each other, understanding more about the different roles of forwards and backs – the main one being the pretty coloured boots and the great looking hair sported by most of the backs, as opposed to the up and at ‘em mentality of the forwards.

We spent the morning looking at how the forwards could win, steal, and/or secure ball and give the backs the best opportunity to show their lovely boots to the crowd as they ran past. We included a couple of the Rotherham players who had turned up, and they introduced some exciting new thoughts which helped the Knights fire up. After an hour, we re-introduced the backs to the forwards, and ran through some game scenarios. The forwards rucked and mauled for all their worth, and the backs had space to run and let the wind whistle through their flowing locks.

Fraser celebrates his Player of the Day Award with a small blackcurrant!

This was an important session for the boys in terms of understanding the differences in the roles but more importantly how they fit together on game day, and we as coaches were really proud of their achievements.

Bring on game day next week so we can put it into practice.

Well done boys

Mark Howe
Central Support Manager, Retail Repair
Autoglass®
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Remembrance Sunday at Castle Park

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Lest we forget....

Sunday saw the One Drywash and Autoglass®-sponsored Doncaster Knights under 9’s host local rivals, Sheffield. The boys started with a minute's silence at 11am and a moment to remember those who have given their lives for our country.

Once the game got started, Doncaster did their best to hold onto a free-flowing hard-running Sheffield side, but seemed to come off second best in contact, and the one-man breaks from a very experienced looking scrum half were hard to track. Credit to the boys though; they battled right the way to the end of the game and gave their all for the cause.

Strictly Come Rugby!

The coaches spent some time talking about working as a team, and the pride of walking from the field with their heads held high, and being able to say they had given their all. We then made some changes and set about the task. The boys worked tirelessly and not for the first time this season (infact it's becoming a weekly event!!), the boys turned the defeat around, and the all-winning Sheffield side were held to their first draw of the season. The boys played with real passion and worked for each other, and it was great to see Ethan stand tall as player of the day, having rucked and mauled his way to near exhaustion !!!!

The effort from everyone in and around the team is really starting to pay off, and I am really proud to say I have been a part of the boys' development until now – good luck boys; keep working hard.
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Winter rugby at last !

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Get off me foot !!

Oh no you dont !!

World Gnome fishing championships - Hull 2009

We have been spoilt so far this season, playing deep into October in fabulous sunshine and balmy temperatures. But Sunday saw the first Winter rugby for the season, and for many of our new players, yet another step in their long rugby roads!

We headed down the M62 to Hull Ionians, and after 30 minutes in the dressing rooms, we decided we could hide no more and headed out on our expedition to the pitches. Not sure whether to run, paddle or swim, the boys reluctantly headed out. We had a good warm up and, despite the weather, we looked promising with some really slick handling – always a worry to the coaches when we look this good in warm up!

Eventually, Hull found their way to the pitch and we got started on the first of our 2 games for the day. The boys worked really hard and played exactly how they had been taught; just a shame that the opposition, and at times the referee, seemed to be playing a different game! It was a very physical and a very wet game, and I am only glad it wasn’t my turn to wash the shirts this week!

The boys battled well and kept plugging to the end, but weren’t really given the space to play by a ‘keen’ Hull side on a very small pitch, and we came off second best.

With water in places not to be mentioned, it would have been easy to call it a day and head back to the warm, but after a short huddle together, most of the knees had stopped knocking and the teeth stopped chattering so we decided to give it another go! This time, we offered to referee and the boys slotted back into the routine they know best – knocking down the big men and running hard and straight at the opposition. Some great team work and good passing saw the Onedrywash and Autoglass®-sponsored Knights under 9’s record another great victory and, for the second game in a row, turn defeat into victory against a powerful opposition. It was an outstanding effort by everyone, with the pieces of the jigsaw slowly starting to come together – watch this space!

Well done to 'Player of the Day': Oliver, 'Most Effort for the Team': Luis, 'Top Metre Maker': Thomas and 'Top Tackler': BJ.

Here’s hoping for less rain next week and a chance to show off some of those great skills.
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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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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.

Sponsors' images - Clearest badge impressions

Sunday (15th March) saw the Miracle Drywash and Autoglass®-sponsored Doncaster Knights under 8’s make the short trip up the A19 to York to face both York and Otley, teams who have always loved to take on the Knights.

The Doncaster under 8’s love to throw the ball around and work the spaces on the field, so it came as no surprise to find ourselves playing on 2 of the smallest pitches we have ever come across, and against 2 teams who were going to surround the ball carrier at every opportunity and limit the Knights' game plan.

It took a few minutes to settle in, and despite the, once again, physical nature of the games, and some interesting interpretations of the laws of the game, the Knights team soon settled into their routine and some excellent strong running from player of the day, Ethan Commons, and fantastic support from the player, voted as giving the most for the team, Owain Herring, saw the boys run in some great tries and come from behind against both oppositions to take well-earned draws.

The Knights have a week of training next week, before entering the final month of the season which will see them take on strong local rivals Dinnington, play host to their own festival at the start of April before heading off on tour to play in the Scarborough international festival. Here's to a great end to the season – good luck boys !!