HRUFC U16s SEASON 2019-20
The team managed to get in 11 games and winning four. The matches did not start until October because of the small squad size and with the waterlogged pitches of January and February and the early end to the season the tally of games is not that bad.
The squad lost a couple of players from the previous season but gained two players in Josh and Alex and both made a significant contribution to the squad.
I took over the coaching role in October and the emphasis was to prepare the players for joining the Academy in terms of style of play and the further introduction of calls and moves that will be used in the following seasons. The results were not so important as the team progressed well in its style of play and many did not look out of place when playing or training with the U17s.
The numbers regularly attending training made progressing unit and team skills a slow process, but improvements were made by all and this showed in the two wins at home against Thornesians and Baildon. If more games could have been played after New Year, I am sure further progress would have been made.
Before announcing the winners of the awards for the season I would like to thank Lindsey and Rachel for looking after the management of the team and to Chris for being always being there on training nights to ably assist and on match days for being the team linesman and giving wise comments.
Chris and I decided to add a new award this season and that is the Newcomer award because the contributions from Josh, Alex and Oli have been important to the squad. Oli has come on and played the last few games at 8 with some skill. Josh’s first try at Union has in our view been a success showing good positional sense and his standout tackling was always effective no matter how big the opposing player. A great example to all. Alex has slotted in at hooker and has worked on the art of throwing in, scrummaging and contesting at the tackle and became the most productive ‘jackler’ in the squad. By a very narrow margin the award goes to Alex Hellawell.
The most improved player award has been renamed the Endeavour award and covers the attributes of attendance at training and matches and all-round improvement though the season. We had quite a debate over this but again narrowly decided to present this award to a slimmed down cheeky chappie who played in all but one pack position. The award goes to Harrison Faith Ellis who now can play hooker or back row with confidence.
The Players Player award was contested between five players and if I say the award goes to a strong runner who beat many of the opposition and scored the bulk of the teams tries it will be no surprise the award goes to Xander Nash. I am also pleased to say he learnt as the season went on to pass and make tries for others!
This brings us to the final award of the Coach’s Player and again we had a good discussion about where this should go. Alfie for his leadership and non-stop work rate. Jamie for his improved kicking and game management. Liam for his improved passing and lines of running. Xander for his hard running. However, we decided that the award should go to a player who has attended training regularly, always been keen to learn more and has always given 100%. The award goes to Albert Parker.
In conclusion we feel as coaches that all the players have made progress and will be a credit to the Academy next season whenever that starts! The squad will be small so all of you will get game time. Attending training will be important to learn all the elements that the coaches will throw at you and learn how to play with your new teammates and getting used to playing 15 a side with only HRUFC players! I wish you all the absolute best and I will down on training nights with the Falcons and checking up on you all.
Bill Duncombe
PS If any of you want to ask me about anything rugby then please contact me e.g. what should I work on as my main aim next season.
Mob 07484 626526
Email; billdunchrufc@btinternet.com
