Under 11’s - Golds

Wigan St Judes U11s Golds 30-4 Folly Lane U11s

Having had our last two fixtures cancel on us we thought we were ending our season without a game, we asked loads of teams with no luck, but the league pulled through and let us know that Folly were looking for a match. Folly Lane are a much more experienced side, flying high in the group above us but the kids were desperate for a game and happy to take on the challenge.

We were down two of our players, Sam and Tyler, huge losses! And playing a full pitch for the first time.  Our nerves showed from the off, receiving the kick, just two drives in and Judes fumbled the ball, turning over to Folly in our own half. The kids defended well and kept Folly at bay, on the last, Folly released a good kick, Daniel Nanyn turned to face his own line as he took it, the ball spilled backwards but the ref felt it was a knock on and the Judes kids found themselves defending another set of six on their own line. Not phased, they fought hard to keep the big Folly pack out for another fives tackles, as the kick was released fullback, Austin Daniel, placed himself underneath it and took it with ease, his return was outstanding covering three quarters of the pitch before being stopped just 10 metres out, quick play by Keegan Mobey saw the ball whipped out to Elton Paplekaj who ran straight and hard and crashed through the Folly line to take the first points of the game. Converted by Keegan Mobey

The kids really stepped it up today in defence and from the restart the line speed and marker play was outstanding, again we pressured the kick on the last and forced a quick one. Austin swallowed it up once more and managed an almost identical return up field. Judes saw the Folly line were caught off guard following Austin's break and Elton Paplekaj took full advantage, quickly scooting to go over once more for his, and Judes, second try. Dylan Gregory adding the two.

At halftime we simply asked for more of what we had seen, it was hard to critique an almost perfect performance, we felt we hadn't seen much of the props going forward but our forwards Malick Niang, Malachi Price and Jake Hare were all over the pitch in defence today so rather than moaning at them we were urging them to get on the ball and have some fun in attack too!

A great kick off from Austin Daniel and a determined chase from Elton Paplekaj saw Judes snatch the ball back from the restart. Taking our half time advice, huge prop Malachi Price was desperate to get on the ball and so did something we don't usually see the big guy do, went hooker and scooted! In a way only Mal can do he picked up speed very quickly and the Folly defenders simply couldn't control him, diving down under the sticks for his first of the day. Aaron Bolton adding the extras.

The kids worked hard once more with Dylan Gregory, Malaki 'Paddy' Cullen and Daniel Nanyn throwing themselves into tackles and Aron Fleming and Aaron Bolton making sure their wings were solid. The props making crunching, hard hits that had the touchlines wincing! The urgency in defence kept Folly in their own half forcing the talented Folly fullback to send a long deep kick downfield in an attempt to gain better field position. Unfortunately for them, Austin had other plans and collecting the ball once more he put his foot down. Weaving in and out of the Folly pack before breaking the line. Third time lucky for our talented fullback who deserved a try today. Converted by Aron Fleming.

More superb play followed with one of our newest recruits, Ryan Sweatman, showing just how far he has come in the few short weeks since joining us, putting in hard tackles and even collecting the ball from a high kick and getting us out of danger. Both teams traded hard hits with more sky high balls to contend with, Aaron Bolton collecting an almost impossible pressured kick and dancing out of in goal to ensure we kept the ball, a truly inspirational and mature team effort. Big Mal Price stepped it up in the second half and followed with two back to back full lengthers having been fed perfect balls by Keegan Mobey and Freddie Winnard, The Mean Machine bagged his hat trick. Both Converted, the first by Elton Paplekaj and the second by Jake Hare.

In the dying minutes of the match a resilient Folly pack put together some great passes to go over for a deserved try, the kick just sailing wide before the final whistle.

The kids were something else today and received nothing but praise and compliments from our opposing coaching staff. Malick Niang and Jake Hare picking up our Hitman award today for a perfect hit, sponsored by Paul Gregory Removals. Malaki 'Paddy' Cullen and Ryan Sweatman having their best games to date. Dylan Gregory, like the forwards, walked off absolutely goosed after giving his all for the entire game. Aaron, Aron, Daniel and Elton could not have given more in defence. Freddie, Austin and Keegan controlling their big strong pack and making sure we were organised. We couldn't pick a M.O.M today, they have waited all season to produce the team performance we were looking for and to take it away from anyone would have been unfair.

I cannot believe our first season is already over. We have loved every single minute of coaching these kids and representing this fantastic club and we can't wait to see what next season brings! Thank you to John Davenport who has been a wonderful chairman, mentor and friend and has guided us behind the scenes throughout this season, always offering support and getting down to watch us where possible. Also huge thanks to the junior rugby section staff and coaches of all age groups for welcoming us with open arms, supporting and guiding us and allowing us this opportunity. With special mention to Neil Birch who happily agreed for our team to run alongside his under 11s squad always taking the time to get in touch each week to see how we had done.
We are extremely grateful to you all.

AWARDS
M.O.M: Everybody!
Opponent's M.O.M: Austin Daniel
Top Tackler: Malachi Price
Parent's Player: Keegan Mobey & Austin Daniel
Player's Player: Malachi Price

TRIES
Malachi Price x 3
Elton Paplekaj x 2
Austin Daniel x 1

KICKS
Keegan Mobey
Elton Paplekaj
Aron Fleming
Aaron Bolton
Jake Hare
Dylan Gregory

Under 8’s - Maroons

St Judes Maroons 9-6 Bank Quay Bulls

The clocks had gone back, it was the end of British Summer Time and this meant the curtain was about to fall on the end of St Judes Under 8s Maroons season. We will all miss our weekly fix of rugby and hot dogs for a few months but will hopefully all return keener than ever and with thinner waistlines, well we can wish anyway!
The final game was against Bank Quay Bulls.  Under 9 rules were being played and so any knock on and anyone going into touch, the ball would be turned over. Captain for the day Lennon started off proceedings and a fast start from Jude's and Luke went over with a fabulous solo effort from his own half. The Bulls responded in fine style, we will have to call him number 9 because I didn't catch his name and Judes couldn't catch him either as he slalomed his way through for a great try to level the scores. Some great passing from Daniel and Lennon and then a great run from Shamus set Lewis through for a try, oh no he was just short of the line.. about 20 yards but he was not to be put off and a minute later, he made no mistake and went over the whitewash. Some fabulous tackling by Grace and Zak kept the Bulls at bay and Lewis made great use of the new rules by forcing their player into touch. Then their number 10 dummied the ball and even some of the crowd moved the other way and she scored a great try to level the scores again. 2-2 after the first quarter.
Judes were able to change the whole team at the break, Reuben came out the blocks like a boy possessed with some quality tackling and then straight from the training ground a pass from Teddy to Ellis Corfield and there's no stopping this boy in full flow and Judes were ahead again. The Bulls looked to be in again until a try saving tackle from Reuben put them in touch. Some more great defence from Ethan and Edwin kept them at bay. Great yards were then made by Billy and an assist from Reuben sent Jack Worthy clear to extend Judes lead at halftime. 4-2
The third quarter we expected the 7 players of Bulls to tire. They had no substitutes to use but this seemed to push them on and they reduced the arrears again as number 9 went over for his 2nd try. New signing Shamus then had a terrific run and was just squeezed out before the line. Then the famous number 9 ran down the line and scored his hat trick. I really should have got his name, some player. Lewis then tricked his way down the wing after good running from Luke to go over for his 2nd try of the match. Bank Quay then scored again to take the lead going into the final quarter. 5-6
The final quarter of the final match of the season and Judes wanted to finish on a high, a brilliant run by Ethan sent Teddy clear to score. Some textbook tackling from Jack and Edwin and then another great run by Ellis extended the lead. Another great run by Ethan and with a great spin wriggled through and offloaded to Jack to go over. Then not to be outdone Billy Baxter got  a try of his own to round off the scoring.
A great game to end the season with the visitors playing    a fantastic match. Final score st judes maroons 9 bank quay bulls 6.
Trophy winners, Jack, Grace, Daniel and Shamus.
Final note. Luke played his final game for Judes today as he has other commitments but what a great, consistent player he has been and a try in his final match to seal it. Good luck!
Bring on next season!UTJ!

Under 8’s - Golds

St Jude's golds 6-4  Golborne Pirates

The last game of the season and the atmosphere was filled with excitement. Jude's traveled to Golborne and were expecting a big game. The clash of the titans began with Jude's showing some power and strength with runs from Jack Elwick and Jack Myers but Golbornes line was strong. On the defence Deacon Charnock stepped up with some amazing tackles cutting them down time after time until he forced the turnover. Jude's took the opportunity driving forward with Harrison Oaks making meters and then a spinning run from Mason Chisnall but it wasn't meant to be. Golbourne took advantage and Jude's just couldn't catch the nippy No 7 who went into score. Jude's had fire in their bellies and they responded with a powerful run in from Oscar Roper, then Mason Chisnall showed a few of the Golborne lads his trademark hand off but we was forced into touch. The turnover saw the brutal Jack Myers tackle and Golborne were definitely feeling the hard hits. Jack Hill and Deacon Charnock were a force to be reckoned with and they tag teamed up  to hold the line. The final set belonged to Jude's Jack Hill who put his lightning speed on  to show powering over in the corner.

After the thrilling first quarter Golborne started but Jude's forced the turnover. Tadgh Casey cut through the defence, Mason Chisnall and Jack Elwick pushed the line but they held strong with some hard hitting tackles. The turnover saw Jack Elwick see red and he made a thunderous tackle that no one would of liked to be on the receiving end of!Jude's  wanted this and Cody Smith stepped up keeping hold of a wild ball sending it out to Harrison Oaks who went in to score. The boys lined up to defend but Jack Elwick was tackling anything that moved, the Jude's line was solid and Mason Chisnall and Tadgh Casey made an awesome tackle.

The excitement was building and Jude's started. A few knock on to both teams saw a little back and forth play but the Jude's lads were pulling together. Oscar Roper, Aston Bailey and Deacon Charnock held a strong line with some punishing drives from Golborne. The turnover saw Jude's push forward and Jack Hill make it over the line with pure grit and determination. The boys lined up Harrison Oaks hit hard with a cutting tackle but Golborne broke through the line and scored. Jude's pulled together and Jack Hill was pumped up he weaved the line and took on the whole Golborne team to score again. The last set Jude's needed to hold strong and up stepped Isac Fleming and Tadgh Casey who pulled a try saving tackle out the bag.

The last quarter of this thrilling encounter started with the Pirates. The first tackle from Jack Hill made the ground shake and then he stood up and did it again tearing up their line. The turnover was Jack Elwicks drive forward followed by Tadgh Casey who carried the whole team at least 15 meters. St Jude's were moving the ball around well and it soon landed in the hands of Mason Chisnall who went into score. The game was close and the tension was building. Golborne set themselves up they were in it to win but Aston Bailey and Tadgh Casey had other ideas forcing the turnover. The game was closing in and it was when Harrison Oaks picked up the ball ducked his head and set off that Jude's new they were in for another try. The game came to a thrilling close and so did the U8s season.

Try scorers
Jack Hill 3
Harrison Oakes 2
Mason Chisnall 1
Trophy winners
Deacon Charnock parents award
Jack Hill opposition mom
Jack Elwick and Mason Chisnall
coaches mom