U11 St David's Day Festival - Dydd Gwyl Dewi - 1st March 2015

Venue - London Welsh Time 9am - 1pm

Lead coach - Buster White, Assistant - Tim Davies

Squad

Freddie Haskins, William Ryan, Ted Luckins, Joseph Baker, Oscar Barnes, Ben Davies, George Hamblin, Matthew Hawke, Thomas Hawke, Finnian Morris, Owen Morris, Alfie Simmons-Gooding, Jake White

Results - Played 4 Won 2 Drew 2 Lost 0 For 11 Against 4 Total Points 8

A very well organised event to celebrate St David's day. It was a strong turn out fro a friendly festival split into 2 groups.

Game 1 - Teddington V's London Welsh Druids

Teddington started the festival off in flying form! Rucking, ball retention and passing was some of the best we have witnessed to date. At half time we led 4 - 0 with some lovely touches coming from the half backs, as well as strong running from all parties with the ball. The pack ball retention was excellent, as well as set pieces performing well. Second half London Welsh stirred and provided a tougher test for us. Some great tackling from all held them at bay (plus their oversized centre ) but they managed to pull one back - an usual start to the festival as we are normally very slow out of the blocks. Some great running from Ben and Jo especially proved too much for the Welsh. Win 4-1

Game 2 - Teddington V's Bank of England

A much tougher game against a bigger side all round. We had a real tussle up front, with a stronger group of boys determind to get the upper hand. Front 5 reacted well and continued to work as a unit - Jake, Owen and George all straight in at the breakdown. Some clever kicking from Jo and Will kept us in the first half, but we conceded 2 sloppy tries. Second half, the whole team had the bit between their teeth - Finn with robust tackling and Alfie exerting his strength. Powerful running from Oscar at penalties, started to open up the gaps and we were rewarded with 2 excellent tries - one at the death to gain an excellent draw - pride from the team was immense, which was great to see from a coach and player perspective. Draw 2-2

Game 3 - Teddington V's OE's

A carbon copy of the game above - we went 1 nil down at the break but again fought back. There was incisive running from Ted and Freddie Haskins. Both Matthew and Thomas playing key parts in the game at the breakdown and ball in hand. The lads were determined not to lose and managed to power back for a 1 - 1 draw

Game 4 - Teddington V's London Welsh Wizards

Boyed by the earlier two comebacks this was a dominating performance by Teddington. Quick clear outs at the breakdown, followed by quality running led to a comfortable victory against a good Welsh side. Again Ben showing quality skill based on good clean ball alongside cleaver use of the blindside proved too strong for the hosts. Won 4-1

Great Festival

A great festival for the B team. Having one coaching voice helped clear instruction and the boys performed exceptionally well. Balance and team spirit between the squad was pleasing. Ted was welcomed warmly and settled in well and all players had good game time as well as being tried in new playing positions.
Feedback from parents who were present was also very positive so I think great credit to Buster and Tim for running a tight ship with both the lads but also clear communication with the parents.