2OO5/6
REPORTS
Hinckley Colts 13 Moseley
Colts 5
A patched up Colts side, with only
4 subs, travelled to Lutterworth to play this end of season game believing they
were to face a young Hinckley side,-wrong! They were confronted by 30+ players
who all wanted a piece of the action and got it.
Moseley played with the wind in the 1st half against what was probably the
younger group, and had the lion's share of the ball, but only 1 try to show for
their efforts when Nash Maphosa, making his first start for Moseley at 7,
touched down following a backrow play and drive. Another 25 minutes of play were
to pass before the next score was posted, this being a penalty kick to the
opposition.
The second half saw the mass change of personnel in the Hinckley ranks and as
the visitors tired so the older players opposing them gained control. Another
penalty and converted try were enough to take the game from Moseley's reach and
the lead was never seriously threatened.
So, a hard end to what has been a very hard season, with more injuries sustained
than in any recent season. Well done to all the squad this year and good luck to
those lads who now leave the Colts Section.
Moseley Colts
67 Dudley Kingswinford Colts 0 - March 25th 2006
With the intensity of recent
matches removed, i.e. cup matches/friendlies v. Bath, Moseley enjoyed
their afternoon at Billesley to record an 11 try win. The teams had
mixed fortunes last week in their respective North Midland Cup
semi-finals with D.K. reaching the final by beating Stourbridge, and
Moseley exiting the competition courtesy of Worcester.
The visitors were not at full strength but Moseley for their part were missing
six players due to injury. Five tries arrived in the first half, the first two
during the opening 9 minutes, with the remainder following a 20 minute lull in
the scoring. The second half saw scores posted at fairly regular intervals as
Moseley dominated throughout. Some good rugby was served up, the result of which
was the 11 tries.
Following a disappointing couple of months with serious injuries and poor
results it was good to see the squad enjoy the game with forwards/backs sharing
the tries 4/7 with 8 different scorers. It was also pleasing to be able to field
a number of U17s, and a further new recruit, and still keep a shape on the game.
Try scorers; Burrows(3),Edwards O.(2),Larkin,Solomon,Knight,Duckers,Savage and
Edwards D.
Worcester Colts 13
Moseley
Colts 5 - March 19th 2006
Moseley went out of the North Midlands Cup in
this close encounter at Sixways.
With the scores at 5-5 at half-time and then enjoying about 70-30 in territory
during the 2nd half, Moseley should have been capable of winning but instead
conceded a penalty and another try.
A good forward drive early in the game gave the visitors the lead with John
Duckers touching down. This was levelled 20 minutes into the game when missed
blindside tackles off a scrum let the no.8 in at the corner.
A major problem for Moseley throughout the whole game however was the inability
to win any lineout ball and this was a severe blow because the opposition were
always happy to kick for touch knowing that they would probably still get the
ball back. Even given this obstacle Moseley were in with a shout but another
missed tackle from a scrum, this time on the openside, let the no.8 again make
inroads to set up a score.
Plenty of effort, lack of cutting edge ,critical tackles missed, and oh those
lineouts !!
Bath U19s 43
Moseley
Colts 10 - January 25th 2006
Moseley travelled to Bath on Saturday knowing
that they were facing the toughest assignment of the season but determined to
commit themselves fully.
No one could doubt their resolve and a good competitive game was played out -but
the Bath Academy side were well worth their win.
Unfortunately the visitors were slow to start and found themselves on the
receiving end of 3 tries, 2 being converted, within the first 12 minutes. The
main reasons for the scores being the failure to recognise the small number of
opposition players being committed to the breakdown and thus being outnumbered
when the ball was recycled, and some missed first up tackles.
Being 19 points down so early might have finished some sides but to their credit
the players set about their task and started to make an impression on the game.
The forwards began to win more ball and by keeping it tight with some good
driving play, managed to make the opposition bring more players back to the
breakdowns. The result of this was some pressure in the Bath half which led to
the home side giving away penalties. From one such infringement after 20
minutes, the Moseley pack carried the ball forward to good effect and crossed
the try-line for John Duckers to record their first points.
A further 8 minutes later Bath were in for another try to make it 24-5 and with
no more scores that was how the half ended.
Once again Moseley were slow to start and were punished by more clinical
finishing by their opponents to see the score rise to 29-5. Again there was no
faulting the endeavour in this Moseley side and they hauled themselves back into
the game and competed manfully for another 20 minutes when a breakaway try put
them further behind at 36-5.
Another Bath try followed together with the conversion and the visitors might
then have accepted that the game was over. Not so, because they went back on the
attack, secured enough possession in the right area of the pitch and were
rewarded with the last score of the game from Ollie Edwards.
In conclusion then, a game in which the opposition were at a different level but
that is what one would expect from a premiership academy side. What Moseley can
continue to do however is to show that they are still able to provide
competitive games to quality opposition and this by trying to play good rugby.
Finally, fullback Mark Coulson sustained a serious injury to his arm which
resulted in him having to stay in Bath to have surgery to pin & plate the broken
bones. We wish him a speedy recovery. We would also wish to thank the Bath
Academy Staff who were not only generally hospitable during our visit but
excellent in their concern for Mark and their follow-up phone calls. Thanks a
lot, we appreciate it and look forward to seeing you next season.
P.S. The Bath match report noted that "The
score slightly flattered Bath as for long periods Mosley had the home side on
the back foot, however the superior speed of the Bath backs eventually told."
and that "With ten minutes left on the clock, Mosley scored a very good team try
with almost all their players handling the ball."
Worcester Colts 7
Moseley
Colts 12 - January 25th 2006
Moseley achieved the season double over their local rivals with this
reasonably comfortable win. Although the score line was close, two or
three further scores were lost with a ball dropped, and a couple of
hold-ups, over the line.
A very strong wind greeted the players in this match and
Moseley played into it in the
first period. Worcester had the better of the early exchanges and were
able to push the visitors back with the benefit of the wind. However, it
wasn't long before Moseley
started to carry the ball forward with good results. The home side gave
away a number of penalties trying to defend and consequently Moseley
enjoyed a lot of the play. The wind being so strong however meant that
no great distance could be gained up the touchline and kicks for goal
were out.
On 15 minutes the first reward for their efforts came with an excellent
display of driving rugby that took the ball from around the visitors 10
metre line to force a penalty on the opposition 5 metre line. The
resultant forward carry gave Nigel Burrows the try which Mark Coulson
converted.
The game carried on in much the same vein with
Moseley generally in charge for much of the time but
errors in the final 22 and some tighter defence stopped the score
increasing. Of course, in these conditions the hard work of gaining
metre after metre could be nullified with one mistake which could send
you back to where you started, or further!
From one such situation, with about 7 minutes remaining,
Moseley were penalised in
their own 22 and Burrows was yellow-carded for hands in the ruck. Only 3
minutes later loosehead James Thomas followed him for a similar offence.
A 2 man deficit was too much for the visitors to overcome and Worcester
took full advantage to score a converted try.
The first half finished 7-7 and Moseley
had definitely performed well in the conditions. Thoughts of the 2nd
half in the National Cup came to mind, when defeat had been snatched
from the jaws of victory by ignoring the use of the wind. Would the
lesson have been learned?
The first objective was to ensure no further scores were conceded whilst
under-strength. This being successfully accomplished,
Moseley kept the opposition
under pressure for good periods and were only denied by close calls on
the line. One try was scored following a number of phases with Ollie
Edwards outpacing the cover.
As it happened, the use of the wind from within the visitors half was
not a huge factor as play was not often in that area but the effect of
such tactics was made clear to the players when U17 debutant fly-half
Jamie Oliver moved play from outside the
Moseley 22 to inside the opposition 22 on one occasion.
A welcome return to winning ways then, but with Bath away next, a big
step up in intensity is required. Finally,
Moseley may be 2 up on Worcester this season but the 3rd
meeting of the sides will take part in 3 weeks time when a return to
Sixways in the semi-final of the North Midlands Cup will be the result
that counts.
Moseley
Colts 10 West Hartlepool Colts 13 - January 14th 2006
Moseley's interest in this years
National Colts Cup came to a disappointing conclusion with this narrow
defeat to their visitors from the north-east.
Leading 10-3 at the break and going down the slope in the second period,
the plan was simple; 1/ play the game in the opposition final quarter by
kicking for position, and 2/ give no penalties away. Both these
instructions were ignored, the ball was run (attempted) from well within
the home half with no ground being gained and the penalty count was
awful. Result, no pressure on the opposition were it hurts and little
continuity in the Moseley play.
The first half saw Moseley under severe pressure for the opening 10
minutes as W. Hartlepool started very strongly. Sound defence by the
home side however withstood these early exchanges and the game became a
very even contest. The early injury to inside-centre Matt Durber (yet
another to add to the list) was a big blow but gradually the home side
began to gain a bigger share of the play.
Finally, the stalemate was broken in the 29th minute when Mark Coulson
kicked a penalty to give Moseley a 3
point lead. Immediately, pressure was again applied in the visitors 22
and this led to another penalty which the forwards drove forward to
cross the line, Lee Madelin getting the touchdown and Coulson
converting. The final 5 minutes of the half saw Moseley giving away
silly penalties, one of which was kicked to give a half-time score of
10-3.
The rest is now history as a game that was there to be won was lost due
to the previously mentioned shortcomings. It would be wrong to give no
credit to West Hartlepool however because from being down at the break
they were good enough to take advantage of the
Moseley play to push up the pitch on many occasions through
good kicking and then keep the home side there. Well done to their squad
and coaches and good luck in the next round.
Although the result went awry, there were a number of decent individual
performances from Moseley players
and none more so than from James Thomas. James is one of those unsung
players who goes quietly about his game fulfilling his team duties. He
has developed into a very sound player whose name is amongst the first
on the team sheet and his worth to the team is clear. On Saturday he led
from the front, well done James.
Nottingham Colts 29
Moseley
Colts 5 - January 14th 2006
With only 2 games in the previous 8 weeks and 2 blank weeks to come
prior to the National Cup match against West Hartlepool, Moseley were
glad to arrange a fixture with their East Midlands rivals at Beeston.
With 5 players absent through injury etc. the opportunity arose to give
the remainder of the squad time on the pitch, a real problem when not
playing regular matches. The opposition fielded a massive pack and it
was obvious that the strong Moseley forwards would have plenty to deal
with and needed to start well. They didn't, and the home side took full
advantage of the fact.
Within the first 15-20 minutes they sliced open the Moseley backs
through a combination of excellent handling and non-existent tackling to
score 3 tries.
Only after this disastrous start did the visiting forwards begin to get
their act together and bring themselves back into the game. There was a
further score for Notts. but to their credit Moseley got themselves onto
the scoreboard just before half-time with a forward carry from a
penalty, releasing Ollie Edwards to cross the line in the corner.
The second half was a much more competitive period with the visitors
putting far more pressure on and keeping the play at the Notts. end for
a lengthy spell. With no cutting edge behind the scrum however the
efforts were rather one dimensional and no points were registered.
Having held firm, the home side were able to capitalise on an attack and
posted a further score.
So, the side beaten by a decent outfit on the day, some valuable time on
the pitch, but...another clutch of injuries which are now reaching
epidemic proportions and threatening the squad strength and the build-up
to the cup match.
Still, the lads reached the final last year on a diet of poor training
facilities, no perks and patched up sides. Lets hope they are as hungry
this time.
Moseley
Colts 36 Scunthorpe Colts 0 - January 14th 2006
A convincing victory over their northern visitors saw
Moseley into the 5th
round of the National Colts Cup. Scunthorpe, a NL&D side but recently
moved into the Yorkshire leagues, arrived with a good playing record but
found the going very tough from the outset.
The strong Moseley pack took
the upper hand from the start and, playing up the slope, forced
Scunthorpe on to the defensive. Within 3 minutes, a good Moseley lineout
play brought about a penalty which Mark Coulson duly converted.
On 7 minutes the next score was registered when, from strong driving
play by the forwards, debutant hooker Llyr Lloyd broke away around the
opposition 10 metres and outpaced the defence. Coulson converted to make
it 10-0 and a great start to the game.
More scores should have followed but a combination of solid midfield
tackling and general determination from Scunthorpe and a little
rustiness on Moseley's part (
only 1 game in December and 0 this year ) meant the scoreboard wasn`t
troubled again until the home side inflicted a hammer blow immediately
before half-time.
One of the best plays of the game saw several phases of play before Matt
Larkin sliced through the opposition midfield to score under the posts.
With Coulson again being successful, the score at the break was 17-0 and
with the slope to come, Moseley
were in a very strong position.
The second half was dominated completely by the powerful
Moseley pack who picked
and drove close with increasing success as the opposition began to tire.
Within the first 5 minutes the Moseley 9, David Gregory made a sharp
break following a series of plays and a free-kick was conceded. The pack
carried the ball forward and Scunthorpe, under serious pressure
infringed again with massive consequences. Their prop was yellow-carded
and the Moseley pack carried the ball to give Nigel Burrows the
touchdown and Coulson his fourth success of the day.
Now Scunthorpe were under almost constant pressure and found it very
difficult to get away from their line. They were to their credit,
turning over a number of balls but were unable then to keep possession.
Constant pressure gave the Moseley
9 another sharp break which the forwards again latched onto
for Robin Bayliss to get the final touchdown. With another conversion
from Coulson the score was now 31-0.
It was during one of the home sides excellent driving plays that 2nd row
Mark Newton sustained a serious injury. The maul which he was leading
had travelled a good distance when it was brought down and he suffered a
broken collar-bone. This is a 3 month injury and very unfortunate for
the player and the squad.
Finally from some broken play again near the Scunthorpe line, Jake
Savage, now at outside centre instead of in the 10 shirt, collected the
ball and went in wide out. With the kick being missed the final score
was 36-0 and Moseley safe
through to the 5th round where they will face West Hartlepool, again at
home. Well done the squad!
Barkers Butts
Colts 15 Moseley Colts 12 - November 27th 2005
A last minute penalty goal condemned
Moseley
to their third defeat of the season in this ill-tempered game. The
visitors expected a hard afternoon particularly at the breakdown and
that's exactly what they were given. From the kick-off, anything that
was on the ground was given some fairly typical Warwickshire treatment.
The problem was that the referee allowed it to pass thereby inviting
retaliation. The game was never allowed to prosper in these
circumstances and very little watch-able rugby was produced.
The home side were on the board first with a catch and drive at a
lineout bringing an unconverted try. Late in the half
Moseley
replied with a forward drive off a short line-out that led to Ryan Large
touching down. This was unconverted so the half ended at 5-5.
Less than 10 minutes into the 2nd period, a loose kick into the
Moseley
half saw Antonio Solomon gather the ball and embark on an elusive 50
metre run to score under the posts. With Mark Coulson being successful
with the kick and the forwards finally gaining some ascendancy over
their opposite numbers, it seemed that steady percentage rugby would
probably carry the day.
With about 10 minutes to go however the outcome of the game was brought
into question.
Moseley
had considerable pressure on the opposition line through their forwards
and would almost certainly have scored again if they had kept the ball
tight. They chose to put the ball out, it was fumbled from a poor pass
and cleared upfield. Even then there was the opportunity to put the ball
back into the home side corner but a panicky piece of trying to step out
of trouble handed the ball to the onrushing opposition who then
delightedly scored wide out. To compound the error the kick was
successful and it was 12-12 going into the final 5 minutes.
The last meaningful act of the game saw some awful inconsistency in
officiating. The play was about 30 metres out from the visitors line,
the opposition were penalised for an infringement at the breakdown but a
Moseley
player was then adjudged to have trodden on one of the opposition. The
decision was reversed, the
Moseley
player red-carded and the penalty kicked. This would have been deemed
harsh but acceptable except that in an virtually similar situation
shortly before but with the roles reversed, no card was issued and no
penalty turned around !!
With the New Year just around the corner and the next round of the
National Cup coming up, certain lessons have to be taken on board if the
squad is to continue in its quest to emulate the "class of 2004/5.
Training will continue this week as normal but only one session will
take place during the following week on Friday 30th at 12 noon.( To be
confirmed.)
A Merry Xmas to players and supporters.
Moseley Colts 19
Bath U19s 43 - November 27th 2005
Saturday brought the welcome visit of
Bath, the Colts toughest assignment of the season. An early kick off
offered the possibility of using the main pitch but three full scale
matches inside 24 hours was felt to be unwise and the game therefore
took place on the "Colts" pitch.
Preparations during the week had been "full on" in anticipation of the
big step up from recent fixtures, and had concentrated on speed of
thought and action particularly in defence.
The players were advised that this
fixture was one to be relished with the prospect of pitting themselves
against top players and seeing how they measured up against them. The
simple truth was that a number of players fell short of the mark by
giving the opposition room to play and missing 1st up tackles. On
several occasions the Bath backs broke through poor or non-existent
tackling to score tries without having to work through phases of play to
get them. Of the six tries, the
Moseley
side had to retire to their try-line from a distance on at least four
occasions.
In fairness to the backs, the season started with hardly any semblance
of a line and new players have been recruited and drafted in almost by
the week. This has been quite disruptive to training with positions
being swapped and "bedding-in" processes having to be constantly
repeated. There are however not many excuses for poor tackling.
The game was not all gloom however because from being hit with some easy
scores, the home side rallied and showed that they can score tries
themselves. The difference was that the
Moseley
scores came from playing phases and thereby creating pressure on the
opposition. After a nervous and hurried start, the forwards won
possession throughout and carried the ball to the Bath pack with growing
confidence, so much so that two of the scores were the result of driving
plays, with Lee Madelin on the end of both. The third try came from
harrying the opposition on their own line and Matt Durber touched down a
loose ball. Mark Coulson converted two of the tries.
A good game overall. The opposition backs impressive, and made to look
even better, their forwards not as good as last year and outplayed to
some extent (subjective). The players will now have an idea of where
they stand relative to class opposition. For some this will already be
the pinnacle of their careers, others will know the level to which they
must raise their game to compete, and some now know that they can
succeed in playing good class rugby if they work hard.
Moseley
Colts now move on with important areas of work identified for the lead
up to the New Year and the next round of the National Cup.
Dudley Kingswinford
Colts 0 Moseley Colts 29 - November 19th 2005
On a day when early frost
and fog gave way to sunny autumn weather,
Moseley
Colts did justice to the day by turning in a powerful display. They
overwhelmed their local rivals who were themselves boasting an unbeaten
8 match season to date including a fine National Cup win over Worcester
Wanderers.
The match started at a fast pace with both sides looking to play good
rugby. This was affected somewhat by a number of refereeing decisions
which were possibly due to the official making his mark on the game, but
which stopped any early flow developing.
Moseley
were winning the larger share of possession but the DK defence
particularly in midfield was strong. It took until the 27th minute for
the first score to be registered and it came following increasing
pressure on the home side.
Strong
Moseley scrummaging
produced a ball against the head and Nigel Burrows, the no.8, picked up
at the base and drove into the home defence. Good support play from his
backrow colleagues led to Lee Madelin touching down. Mark Coulson, the
Colts latest recruit at no.10, converted to bring the score to 0-7.
Immediately from the restart, Ryan
Large caught and opened up play with a good offload to Madelin who went
30 metres before being stopped. The ball was quickly recycled in a move
in which Matt Durber featured twice, the second time being when he
touched down. Coulson again converted, this time from wide out. Two
conversions !! Something of a luxury this season for the Colts who have
struggled in the kicking stakes.
Half-time,14-0 up and the feeling was that more scores were on the cards
as long as penalties weren't needlessly conceded and shape and pace were
maintained.
Within two minutes the pattern was set as early pressure on the home
side saw a turnover and the
Moseley
10 made a good break to put Durber away for his second try of the game.
Most of the second half was defined by the amount of decent possession
that Moseley enjoyed, the variety of the attacks through the backrow
leading to the ball being moved wide and on the other hand the scrappy
nature of the DK ball but also their defiant defence which held the
score down.
Quarter of an hour into the half another backrow play off a scrum close
to the home side's line gave Madelin his second score. Finally, a loose
ball was scooped up by Jake Savage following some scrappy play, to give
the outside centre a try. Unfortunately all the second half tries were
unconverted. Not quite out of the woods there then!
A very pleasing display by the lads and one to boost the morale going
into next weeks appointment with our visitors from the south-west, Bath.
A very big step up in terms of physical confrontation and speed of both
play and thought process. One to be looked forward to with relish!
The kick-off has been brought forward to 1pm with the possibility of
playing on the main pitch if the weather is favourable. Don't hold your
breath, given the forecast!
Moseley
Colts 10
Nottingham Colts 7 - November 12th 2005
The opposition arrived on Saturday claiming a very depleted squad with
only a couple of replacements and only deciding to fulfil the fixture on
Thursday evening.
This was appreciated by us because the object of the exercise is to have
our teams playing. We were able to help a little because we were short
of 10 of our squad also. What was plain to see however, was that the
Nottingham pack was HUGE and on a day when
Moseley
fielded their smallest front row.
This was not a good game, consisting for the most part of one phase
rugby. Too many times, the home side were penalised for a variety of
infringements or lost the ball in combat with opponents who had far more
upper body strength. The opposition for their part seemed unable to do
much with the ball once they had won it.
Moseley
scored first after 15 minutes when they turned a ball over on the
opposition 22, moved it quickly to Antonio Solomon on the wing and he
did very well to get the touch down in the corner. The conversion was
unsuccessful.
Eleven minutes into the second half
Moseley
had a lineout on the opposition 10 metres, lost it and watched as the
ball was transferred to the far wing who sped up the pitch to score.
Shades of the previous week! To rub salt into the wound the kick sailed
over.
There weren’t many positives to take from the day, winning aside, but a
big one followed. Twenty odd minutes into the half and 5-7 down
Moseley
had camped on the Notts line and were retaining the ball. There were
penalties and scrums but the home side were finding it tough to make the
final metre.
Another scrum was awarded to
Moseley and
the opposition coach took the opportunity to disparage the home side
pack for some reason enquiring what they were going to do when they had
to play senior rugby. He received an immediate riposte when, from a good
scrum the ball was transferred across the backs for Matt Larkin to score
in the opposite corner.
A win is always good but lessons were there to be learned especially
about playing against much bigger opponents. Don’t arm-wrestle them one
on one, use pace, good technique and playing in twos and threes.
The next match is a local derby against our friends from Dudley
Kingswinford, and is away not home as per the fixture list.
Moseley Colts 29
Lichfield Colts 10 - November 5th 2005
Passage through to the national rounds of the K.O. Cup after Xmas was
Moseley's reward for this justly
deserved win, although it took until the final third of the game to
overcome their capable opponents.
Down the slope and into the wind is an unlikely combination on the colts
pitch but that was the scenario presented to the home side after the
visitors had won the toss. It was fairly obvious from the start that
Lichfield were not at Billesley to make up the numbers, but harboured
ambition of their own to progress in the competition.
The game opened at
a good pace and both sides were winning a share of the ball. Lichfield
for their part had a strong set of backs, playing off a very good fly
half, who were nullifying ball played through the
Moseley backs. Their tackling was
stopping the home side getting into their stride and from the
Moseley viewpoint it was rather
disjointed.
Twenty minutes into the half the first
points were registered when Moseley conceded a penalty deep in
opposition territory. Lichfield tapped and went, whilst a number of the
opposition were asleep, and ran 70 metres to outpace the remaining
defence. The kick was converted to give Lichfield the lead 0-7. Word was
passed to the Moseley forwards to take on their opponents more, both
through pick and drive and from the back-row.
This paid dividends almost
immediately when from a pick up from the base of the scrum the ball was
transferred to Ollie Edwards who crossed for
Moseley's first try. Within another
five minutes a carry by the powerful home forwards, 30 metres out, led
to lock Mark Newton getting the final touch. The last 10 minutes of the
half saw more competitive play by both sides, but without troubling the
scoreboard, as defences held firm.
Lichfield made the first move of the second half when taking advantage
of a Moseley transgression at a breakdown and slotting the penalty. The
game was undergoing a change however with constant pressure from the
Moseley forwards wearing down their
opponents defences, and holes beginning to appear. Also having a bearing
on the game was the ability of the home side to allow Lichfield no time
in the
Moseley 22. The first available
ball was sent 50-60 metres back up the slope and consequently morale
rose for the home side with the opposite effect for the opposition.
Fourteen minutes into the half, one such relieving kick put Moseley in a
strong attacking position and from an ensuing scrum the ball was again
deposited into the hands of Ollie Edwards to earn his second try of the
day.
Five minutes more brought another try when forward carries again
ended with the ball in the hands of the winger, Joe Knight being the
finisher this time. A first successful conversion went to Ollie Edwards
to make the score 22-10. Three minutes later and the home side were
cutting loose when harrying pressure from the
Moseley centres forced a spilt
ball in front of their opponents posts and flanker Fred Rodwell was on
hand to scoop it up and dive over, Edwards again being successful with
the kick. With no further scores 29-6 was a good result for the team.
The only downside to the day was a series of injuries to key players
that may disrupt the progress of the side given that the next three
games are all hard ones. As far as this cup competition is concerned the
next round will be in early January
Birmingham
Uni. Freshers 14 Moseley Colts 15 - 29th October 2005
Bournbrook was the venue for this annual fixture and with added spice
this season because as well as the students being under the guidance of
our colleague Terry Malins (Moseley’s 2nd/Dev and Under 17 coach), the
Moseley squad featured 5 University freshers. A day when some
pleasantries might be exchanged perhaps!
Moseley was quickly on top at the start and, playing into the wind,
forced a penalty inside the opposition 22. Electing to play through the
forwards the forwards twice recycled the ball and released tit o the
backs for Matt Durber to touch down. The kick was unsuccessful.
Within 5 minutes the Uni. had been awarded a penalty of its own and
three points were duly added. Eight minutes gone and the score stood at
3-5.
More Moseley pressure followed, the students were having trouble coping
with it and conceded a further penalty. Once again the kick was spurned
in favour of using the pack and once again it was successful. A couple
of phases and the grateful recipient this time was Ollie Edwards.
Unfortunately no conversion followed.
Almost as a replay of what had gone before, the home side increased its
points tally with a penalty. Twenty minutes into the game and with the
score at 6-10.
Moseley was definitely having the better of it and so it continued with
pressure forcing yet another penalty. No prizes for guessing that the
visitors again went for a try rather than the kick and Edwards was again
over the line but once again the conversion was missed.
Although the score was still close at 6-15 the make-up of the points
told the story, - 2 penalties to 3 tries. It was around the half hour
mark that the game began to change when on a line-out deep in its own
half, Moseley chose to run the ball out. However this was done badly,
the ball was spilt and the students eagerly took the opportunity to
record the Uni’s first try which was unconverted.
Somewhat knocked out of their stride Moseley infringed at a breakdown
and from 40 metres the Uni. kicker brought his side to within 1 point of
the visitors.
The second half was a poor affair and no more scores arrived, although
Moseley should have registered another try from a well worked lineout
but the ball was knocked on in the final pass. The Uni. for their part
came more into the game and only resolute defence prevented them
scoring.
However frustrations with refereeing decisions particularly at the break
down was encouraging the aforementioned pleasantries to come to the
fore, finally leading to a mass brawl. A pity because the game was
competitive and deserved better.
The Colts next fixture is this Saturday at Billesley when the opposition
will be Lichfield in the 3rd round of the Nat. Cup.
Wolverhampton 10
Moseley 34 - National U19 Colts Cup
October 15th 2005
Playing at Castlecroft on a pleasant autumn afternoon, Moseley
progressed through to the 3rd round of the National Cup without too many
problems. The Wolverhampton players were game, defended well and never
let their heads drop, but couldn’t match their opponents in ability,
power or pace.
Moseley dominated almost throughout, had the major share of possession
and should have scored more points but at times again took wrong options
when simple movement of the ball would have sufficed.
The 1st half started well with Moseley playing at pace and winning phase
after phase, only the occasional penalty or poor final pass/catch
preventing a score.
Twelve minutes into the half saw Moseley opt to take a penalty through
the forwards for Lee Madelin to touch down. Ollie Edwards converted.
Within 2 minutes another score had arrived in a totally different
fashion.
From a Wolverhampton scrum inside Moseley’s 10 metre line, pressure
forced the ball to squirt out, Dave Edwards the Moseley no.9, scooped it
up and ran 30 metres before giving an excellent offload to his namesake
Ollie who ran in for the score.
The game followed a predictable pattern for the next 15 minutes with the
Moseley forwards dominating affairs up front but no further scores
arriving. However, from a rare visit inside their 10 metres, Moseley
infringed and the Wolverhampton kicker made no mistake with the penalty
to make it 3-12 with 5 minutes to go.
This score seemed to spur Moseley on and they immediately went back on
the attack to force another penalty. The kick was spurned in favour of
another forward play which again was successful, Madelin once more
touching down. Half-time score 3-17.
The 2nd half brought more of the same with Moseley pressing at every
opportunity, The hard, direct running of the Moseley players was taking
its toll of the opposition and from a scrum inside the Wolves 22, Nigel
Burrows was finally rewarded for his persistence when he picked up at
the base of the scrum and forced his way over. Edwards (O) kicked the
conversion.
Twelve minutes into the half, the best try of the match arrived when a
succession of phases took the ball into the home sides 22; the ball was
swiftly recycled to be passed through four pairs of hands for Joe Knight
to finish the play in the corner.
This try showed that the ability to move the ball was there and should
have been utilised on more occasions earlier in the match. With the
score at 3-29 the game was surely safe but it was only a few minutes
later that Moseley were to be taught a salutary lesson. Never lose
concentration assuming that the game is over.
No one told Wolverhampton that they shouldn’t keep trying and from a
penalty against Moseley around the home side 10 metres a quick tap saw
the ball transferred to the winger who went through three sloppy
attempted tackles, outpaced the cover and rounded the fullback to score.
More cover may have been available if the players in the middle of the
park had made any sort of effort to get back 10 metres at the penalty.
A communal lack of concentration then and a lesson that has hopefully
been learned when no serious damage has been done. Seriously
embarrassed, the side regrouped to use the final minutes to once again
carry the game into their opponents 22 and force more errors to gain a
further penalty. Once again the forwards elected to carry the ball up -
this time releasing Knight on the wing for his 2nd try of the match.
In the 3rd round Moseley has a home tie against Lichfield who started
the season well, being unbeaten to date.
Tamworth Colts
5 Moseley Colts 56 - October 08 2005
With 10 tries being scored on a very wet day, only 2 of which were
converted, it seems churlish to be too critical. However... playing
against a less accomplished, but nonetheless committed opposition,
Moseley scorned the opportunity to overwhelm them in the 2nd half by a
mixture of poor decision making, and team-play giving way to
individualism. Pre-match talk had concentrated on maintaining shape and
playing phases and to be fair a number of very good scores arrived by
that means, but it is in this type of match that good habits can be
practiced and perfected.
There's the makings of a very good squad this year but 5 games
into the season certain recurring deficiencies are evident and will need
to be addressed in order that the potential is fulfilled. Encouragingly,
we have been more successful in recruiting players than in previous
years and 8 new lads have been included, 6 in the last 2 matches, which
has certainly given more depth to the squad as well as added class in a
couple of positions.
Try scorers on Saturday were Joe Knight (4),Ollie Edwards (3),
John Duckers, Nigel Burrows and Matt Durbar, Edwards converting twice.
Next week sees the return to the National Cup trail so successfully
trodden last year, with an away fixture against Wolverhampton.
Moseley Colts 29
Bedford Colts 12 - October 01 2005
Not all the exciting rugby fare was being displayed in the main arena
yesterday because this years U19`s squad were showing their skills on the
adjacent pitch.
Meetings with this weeks opponents are generally of a high calibre and
this was no exception, but whereas during the past two years
Moseley have been slow to adapt
to a fast game, this time they were out of their blocks running.
Playing up the slope and against the wind,
Moseley were awarded an early free kick. Debutant scrum
half James Homer took it quickly bringing his forwards into action and two
sharp recycles later the ball was being touched down by openside Lee
Madelin. 40 seconds on the clock and the 5-0 scoreline showed that
the players had learnt the lesson of starting well.
Moseley continued to take the game to Bedford even though
slope and wind were against them and only sound defence prevented a
further home score.
The opposition were looking to run the ball at every opportunity that
presented and the game was therefore keenly fought, but
Moseley’s defensive pressure
meant that the ball was spilt on a number of occasions and no continuity
was available to Bedford.
One mistake however, leading to a turnover around
Moseley’s 10 metres, led to a rapid attack on the
home line, and a series of penalties gave Bedford a converted try a little
against the run of play. A succession of good plays by the home side now
led to a penalty close to Bedford’s line and a well rehearsed forward play
led to Madelin securing his 2nd try of the game.
Half time 10-7 to Moseley,
which against this opposition, the wind and slope is very good going!
Playing the slope well, Moseley
spent the first 10 minutes of the 2nd half pressing the Bedford line
without points to show for it.
The pressure was bound to tell however and a poor relieving kick dropped
short to Ollie Edwards who needed no further invitation to attack the line
and feed Jake Savage the scoring pass.
Four minutes later the scoreboard was again in action as
Moseley secured good possession
to again free Edwards around the Bedford 22 to score a well deserved try
which he converted.
The game had assumed a pattern of Moseley
pressure through varied attacks and it wasn’t long before the next score
arrived with more good phases of play being finished off with a Matt
Larkin try, Edwards again converting.
With 15 minutes to go and several substitutions having been made,
Moseley’s shape was lost for a
short spell and, showing that they hadn’t given up on the game, Bedford
came back with a converted try to make it 29-14.The final stages were
fairly evenly matched and no more scores arrived.
A good competitive game which pleased players, coaches and supporters
alike.
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