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Sussex Under 18 XV2011-12
4 Sussex Under 18 Players selected for London Division. Congratulations to the following players who are today selected for the London Division Squad (8 Counties )
Joe Woods Loose Head Prop The Regis School Chichester RFC Richard Hadfield Tight Head Prop Hurstpierpoint College Hove RFC
Seb Nagle-Taylor No 8 Eastbourne College
Nick de Brett Hooker Tonbridge School East Grinstead RFC Programme -- Sat February 11th Training at Guildford Sports Park Sun
February 12th Match v Northampton Saints at GSP - Sussex Sports Park
February 16-19th National Divisional Festival in the Midlands
Sussex U 18 - End of Season Meal and Review Friday 3rd Feb
'Whats next in Rugby' ? Brighton (FC RFU) Dear Player and Parent
Sussex U18 End of Season Meal / Review and "Whats next in Rugby ?
Brighton RFC Fri 3rd Feb 7.30-9.30
Meal £8pp
LAST CHANCE TO JOIN THE OCCASION
ALL Players who have played with us over last 3 seasons MOST WELCOME
Please confirm by e-m I will accept payment on the night
Martin Eley 01243 584588 07957 86-1959 martineley@dsl.pipex.com
London Division U 18 Trial - Six Sussex players selected London Division Trial @ Old Paulines RFC , Sun 29th Jan 2012 Congratulations !!
We are delighted to hear that the following players have gained a place in the above trial . This season there will be only one trial , so selection is especially notable The players can feel very proud of themselves , and it is a very special honour for their families , clubs , schools and for Sussex Rugby .
The players have been notified and we wish them every sucess in the trial - Joe Woods Loose-head Prop The Regis College Chichester RFC
- Nick de Brett Hooker Tonbridge School East Grinstead RFC
- Richard Hadfield Tight Head Prop Hurstpierpoint College Hove RFC
- Tom Stride Lock Chichester HS Boys Chichester RFC
- Seb Nagle-Taylor 6/8 Eastbourne College
- Jack Walker Scrum Half Chichester HS Boys Chichester RFC
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Sussex U18 v Hampshire U18 Won 15-0
Hampshire U18 0pts - Sussex U18 15pts
Sunday 15th January at Gosport & Fareham RFC Ball carriers bring victory to close an excellent season !
The low temperature and traditionally strong Gosport wind demanded a certain style of play, and although far from an outstanding performance, it was Sussex who generally adapted to the Arctic conditions with powerful ball carrying and excellent team spirit.
Upon reflection, both sides will rue the fact that neither successfully used the elements to set attacking positions in the western corners. Some patches of sound strategy occasionally broke out, but with ball in hand, the Sussex pack had the edge throughout, and crucially, kept driving well throughout the last quarter, giving the squad a most pleasing finish to their years together. The usual suspects were well to the fore. Seb Nagle-Taylor at the helm with a best performance yet, closely followed by the dynamic duo Richard Hadfield and Joe Woods, and their front row colleague Nick de Brett.
The platform was set, and inspired excellent support from Tom Stride, Finlay Hillicks and the rapidly improving Alex Grace who has another year to run. Once again at the heart of this muscular delivery was the team leader Elliot Simmons, who covers the field many times over, and whose tackle count is for all to equal. The many restarts went generally to order, with Hampshire having the edge at lineout and Sussex beginning to pressure the scrum. Turnovers were disappointingly commonplace in both camps. Initially it was Hampshire who demonstrated an appetite to attack midfield with strong threats from their back three, but despite a dreadful penalty count against Sussex, Hampshire could not bring their obvious potential to fruition. Difficult conditions and spirited Sussex defence countered them well , and suddenly Sussex were in the lead after 20m with a snappy attack from a short penalty , and try smartly taken by Christian Squire . Jack Walker once again playing a powerful ninth forward game at nine, regularly crossing gain line, thus giving the back row many opportunities.
Half-time Hants 0pts Sussex 5pts
After the break, with Sussex against the elements, the onslaught of positional kicks from Hampshire didn’t develop as expected, and midfield defence more regularly tested. The walls held thanks to Tom Nicholl and Christian Squire, who along with the back three ,had limited chances in these conditions. The second Sussex break came after 10m, with Tom Glenn finishing an opportunist thrust, a reward for a consistently reliable career with this squad. (Hants 0pts—Sussex 10pts) Nothing was yet certain at this stage, Hampshire battling skilfully to close the gap, meeting stirling defence, but having several injuries to cover.
The coup de grace came after 20m , rewarding Sussex’s destructive ball carriers , this time Finlay Hillicks using his powerful frame to crash over for the last score ( Hants 0pts Sussex 15pts )
A strong collective spirit is the definition of this excellent group of young men . They are inclusive and supportive of each other, listen to advice willingly ,and play with a competitive edge. They are not the most talented group of rugby players to have played for Sussex , but have been a pleasure to coach and manage. We wish them all well in the next stage of playing this great game
We also look forward to eating together at Brighton RFC on February 3rd , when we will highlight exit routes from 18 Gp , to Sussex U20, University , or Club Rugby
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Sussex v Hampshire Teamlist |
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Surrey U18 v Sussex U 18 Won 24 -18
Superb commitment wins the day!
If there was any doubt about the attitude and commitment of the squad, then this match proved that they are a committed and hardworking group, who play as a team and cover most shortcomings with excellent spirit.
On a splendid floodlit pitch at Imber Court, Surrey immediately started to threaten with some deft handling and good angled runs. After several near misses, they surprisingly had only one penalty to show for 15 mins territorial advantage. (3pts-0pts). Things looked ominous, but gritty defence, a little good fortune, and sound refereeing ,found play back in middle of the pitch. Sussex the began to gain confidence, and after a series of rucks, were awarded a penalty on the Surrey 10m line. Seb Nagle-Taylor inspired the whole team with a dynamic tap and run, handing off defenders and crashing over in the right hand corner. (3pts-5pts)
Shortly afterwards, Sussex missed a penalty chance. However, with the failed kick landing in the corner of the field, and whilst Surrey defenders dithered, Christian Squire dived in, to score an opportunist try, converted by Jack Davies (3pts—10pts)With excellent timing, the pack, now with a growing belief, and some serious aggression, drove the ball deep towards the Surrey line. Richard Hadfield, who along with front row colleagues ,Joe Woods and Nick de Brett, powered the maul over for another rewarding effort, touching down to give Sussex a 14point margin. (3pts –17pts.) In textbook fashion, just before halftime, yet another excellent try was finished by the speedy Will Bettles in the right hand corner, his broad smile caught in the floodlights, and surrounded by a team that was now operating at its best level of the season so far.
Half Time Surrey 3pts Sussex 24pts
Surrey had under-performed and Sussex knew that there would be a reaction from a side with an excellent back division, who used long miss passes to stretch and frighten the visitors defence. However it was the Surrey forwards who began the comeback, driving over the Sussex line from a lineout in the corner, leaving a worried defence to try to regain some territorial position. (8pts –24pts)
After 20mins into the second half, Surrey struck again, not surprisingly with their pacey backs creating another smart finish (13pts –24pts)
Tension was at breakpoint with 10mins playing time left.. Defend as they might, Sussex were unable to block another wide attack by Surrey (18pts-24pts), but justifiably survived the final moments with honour.
Special mention again to the leadership of Captain Elliot Simmons, and noteworthy performances from back row colleagues Alex Grace and Seb Nagle-Taylor.
With just one match to play, the squad must finish the season at the level at which they proudly played tonight.
Martin Eley Team manager
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Surrey v Sussex Teamlist |
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Sussex U18 v Kent U18 Lost 8-15
Sussex 8pts Kent 15pts Sunday 30th October 2011 East Grinstead RFC
Sussex let down by poor decision making.
This match, played at East Grinstead RFC in drizzle, was never going to be exhilarating or high scoring, but both sides felt that poor decision making was the let down factor. Kent deserved to win, just, and proved so by scoring two tries to one. Sussex started in sprightly manner with solid scrums and much improved lineout from the previous encounter with Essex. Midfield defences on both sides were commendable, leaving only marginal chances to penetrate. The quality of midfield possession was not great and the midfield channel produced very little penetration . However after 10 mins , Kent used their outstanding wing Nathan Earle to take a short inside ball with delightful accuracy ,scoring near the Sussex posts (0 -7pts ) On several occasions, having driven forward with great menace, the last option seemed too often to be wrong from the touchline, letting Kent clear once again, and back to another set piece. Cross kicks were punished for marginal inaccuracy, one of which resulted in a second try from the wide runners in the Kent backs (0 -12 pts). AS in previous occasions, Sussex did not let this weaken their efforts and a good period of pressure from the Sussex pack, resulted in a fine penalty by Josh Cowell (3-12pts) Some changes made at half time, seemed to up the pace and determination, but Sussex sadly missed a penalty opportunity to close the scoreline on a difficult day. The Sussex scrum continued to exert pressure, from which Seb Nagle Taylor carried effectively,. Tom Stride leading by example in the lineout ,despite some erratic throwing . As the pace increased at times, and sensible options taken, Sussex can claim to have had the chance to win. However too many chances however, went begging, until a fine forward effort brought a try by Harry Coates. (8-15 pts) The Sussex back row can be pleased with their efforts where Elliot Simmons and Alex Grace gave good performances throughout the encounter . The coaching team praised the team in the post match for attitude and effort, If decision making improves ,they will be a very good outfit .
Martin Eley - Team manager
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Sussex v Kent Teamlist |
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Sussex U 18 v Essex U18 Won 16-15
Sussex 16 pts Essex 15pts Determination wins the day!
This was not a match of the best quality, but one that gave both sides a chance to develop with new members, before the three assessments games to follow shortly.
Many scoring opportunities were squandered by both sides, but especially by Sussex in the first half.
Five or six delightfully constructed breaks failed to finish in a try, something to which Sussex must pay great attention in future games. The offloads in the tackle were the key to this pleasing aspect of the match. At last Sussex were starting matches well.
Essex were penalised after 3mins for offside the ruck, and fly half Josh Cowell made no mistake with the kick . The visitors slowly moved upfield then lost ground ,and succumbed to a second penalty by Cowell who started the match with distinction..
Further exchanges produced no further score until 30mins when Essex crossed the Sussex line and looked to getting the upper edge in particularly at lineout ,which Sussex need to review and upgrade .(6pts-5pts)
The Sussex back row showed power from menacing runs by Seb Nagle-Taylor, and from persistent commitment and work rate from Elliot Simmons
After the break ,Essex once again began to play through the phases, ,managed well by scrum half Harry Branch, and within 5mins had scored a second try, by charging down a defensive kick ( 6pts-10pts )
They then delivered what felt like a hammer blow , by driving through the Sussex defence to extend the lead to 15pts -6pts. Sussex was now chasing the game ,and were liable to humiliation. However the home side then seemed to concentrate all the time, began to win some valuable ball and put Essex on the back foot for periods late in the game. A barnstorming effort by Elliot Simmons brought an uplifting try (11pts -15pts ) and when all seemed lost , the collective determination of the Sussex team finally brought an excellent team try ,smartly finished by Harry Clewley , to win the match in the last play. A lesson in determination Sussex. Well done , but lots to improve
Martin Eley Team manager
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Sussex v Essex Teamlist |
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Sussex v Eastbourne College
Sat Sept 10th at Eastbourne
This development match was played at Eastbourne College as an opportunity for some of the U18 squad to join with some U17 players, in preparation for the forthcoming County matches
The match played in warm temperatures involved 26 players and proved to be a most useful exercise for both teams. Eastbourne naturally played well as a team, having just returned from a successful summer tour of Chile, whilst the mixed group from Sussex took a while to settle. The Eastbourne pack, particularly the middle and back row put considerable pressure on the Sussex side but strong and persistent defence pleased the county coaches.
All players had a half game or more and although the hosts ran out worthy winners by a couple of points , the county side has moved a step nearer in deciding on its final squad for the forthcoming matches
Squad
1-Joe Woods Max Ellery
2-Alex Wolfe Lewis Golding
3-Chris Gunn
4-Tom Stride
5-Finlay Hillicks
6-Judd Newell Charlie Mann
7-ElliotSimmons (Capt) Harry Short
8- Alex Grace David Bayly
9-Jack Walker Henry Jolliffe
10- Josh Williams
11-Will Bettles Harry Clewley
12 -Tom Nicholls
13-Danny Kirkpatrick Freddie Frith
14-Richard Foulkes
15-Henry Luxton Tom Glenn
Sussex RFU Under 18 County XV 2011-2012
Welcome to the 18 group season 2011-12 The programme is attached for your diary Please read carefully --
1. The season is very short ,Sept -Jan , followed by a single Divisional trial for any selected players .
2. You will notice 3 graded matches .It is essential that prospective Divisional players play in all three graded matches on
3. All players are expected to attend Trial/Training on Sunday Sept 4th .This is followed by a match v Eastbourne College on Sat 10th Sept
4. Some Under 17 players will be joining our squad for the season
5. There will be one squad only next season of approx 28/30 players
6. Please pass this information to your School and Clubmates
7. A final reminder will be sent in early August
8. As always, your attendance and communication with me will have a strong bearing on the coaches selection for matches
9. Please update me by e-m / phone at any time of any unavailability / injury .
Martin Eley - Team Manager
