Year 8 - Rugby Match Reports

HARTON 49 | DURHAM CHORISTERS 7 [Monday 6th November]

This was a mixture of year 7 and 8 players with some students playing their first game for Harton. We played some really good rugby with excellent ball retention and some fine handling and link play. Callum McGuigan was again prominent in the forwards, winning and securing a lot of possession. His tackling and direct running were also very pleasing to see.

Daniel Hackett got the ball away well and Jordan Carey led the backs well. What is also very encouraging is that both of our wingers, Ryan Wardale and Kevin Smith scored three tries each. This underlines the type of rugby we played. We must also congratulate our opponents, who were a very small side, for their spirit and the way they also tried to play quality rugby. A very enjoyable game to watch played in an excellent spirit by both sides.

Mr P Byrne - Head Coach

HARTON 0 | R.G.S 47 [Thursday 19th October]

As the score line suggests a disappointing performance from our team. We started brightly and with a little more composure we should have scored two early tries. After 15-20 minutes the game was still scoreless. R.G.S. opened the scoring and from that point our game deteriorated badly. There were far to many missed tackles and a lack of spirit and determination from many players. However, Morgan Sweet and Joe McKenzie did work tirelessly yet again and certainly deserved more. The tackling of Ben Roberts was also prominent throughout.

We must also acknowledge our opponents who produced a consistent determined performance and thoroughly deserved their win.We must strive to be more consistent and keep trying to play good rugby regardless of the result. Hopefully a lesson learned.

Mr P Byrne - Head Coach

HARTON 43 | DURHAM SCHOOL 17 [Thursday 12th October]

This is a very impressive win against a good rugby playing school though it has to be said it was not a convincing team performance. We are relying on individuals rather than good teamwork. In the forwards particularly we relied heavily on Joe McKenzie and Morgan Sweet to win any possession and make the majority of tackles. Indeed, without these two players we would certainly have lost this game. All of the forwards must work hard, not only in matches and at training sessions, but also in their own time to improve their fitness levels.

The backs did play a lot better. Jordan Carey ran the line well and both Daniel Fada and Ben Chisholm were a constant threat. Kevin Smith, who was up against a giant of a winger is improving with every game.
Take note of the advice given as the problem of fitness will be addressed at training!!

Mr P Byrne - Head Coach

HARTON 67 | EMMANUEL COLLEGE 7

This was another match that we all looked forward to as we didn't play last year due to the weather. We talked at length before kick-off about providing quality ball for the backs that have a tremendous amount of pace. Our rucking so far this season has been adequate but very little quick ball has been won. Well during this game there was evidence that we are beginning to get it right. Time and again the forwards took the ball up directly and when necessary rucked PAST the ball. Morgan Sweet and Joe McKenzie again had fine games in the pack.

The backs led by Jordan Carey ran the ball at every opportunity and our hosts had no answer to the pace and power of Daniel Fada. Ben Chisholm also showed what a fine player he is developing into with courageous tackling, good running skills and that all important vision. Kevin Smith capped a fine display with a well taken try. We are steadily improving as a team, harder fixtures await us, and we must not forget how our opponents scored their 7 points!!

Mr P Byrne - Head Coach

HARTON 17 | HURWORTH HOUSE 10

This was the first time that our School has played Hurworth House so both teams started rather tentatively as little was known about either side. We started brighter and managed to score two early tries. Unfortunately one of our opponents then received a nasty injury putting in a superb tackle. We all wish him well. This seemed to spur on our opponents who reduced the arrears at half time to 12 –5. In the second half we had to contend with quite a steep slope on the pitch and a strong wind in our faces. Hurworth scored a deserved second try to close the lead to only two points. We were under considerable pressure and on many occasions last ditch tackles were needed.

Fortunately we were able to break out and Morgan Sweet capped a fine display with a good try. With time running out Hurworth through everything at us in the dying minutes but we held out. The spirit shown in the second half was good but our rucking could have been better and we could have taken our chances better. All in all a good result against a good rugby side.

Mr P Byrne - Head Coach

HARTON 55 | LORD LAWSON 12

This was the first game of the season for the side with only one training session prior to the game. It was pleasing to see the forwards provide plenty of quality ball, with some very effective rucking, which the back’s used to very good effect. Daniel Fada had a fine game and is now combining his excellent running skills with good handling and an awareness of others in space. Morgan Sweet and Joe Mckernzie worked tirelessly in the back-row and a special mention must go to Callum McGuigan, a year 7 student who had an outstanding game.

Although we won the game comfortably we must acknowledge the efforts of our opponents who worked tremendously hard throughout the game and deserved their two tries. There are many positives to come out of this game but we must recognise areas for improvement. Tackling needs to be more consistent and fitness levels need to be raised, particularly amongst the forwards!

Mr P Byrne - Head Coach