This year, Basford again had many of their girls away representing the East Region both in the regional heats and the Festival at Litchfield last weekend.
At U15 level we were represented by
Abbie Cook
Maddy Lockwood
Yasmin Pemberton
Lucie Wood
Olivia Stembridge (Captain)
Layla Pickering
Hannah McCready
U18's representing East were
Rachel French
India Harvey
Frances Hughes
Frank Jordan
Fi Jordan
Jen Mugglestone
Emily Scott
Sam Smith
Jemma Sommers
Jessica Wilkins
For some of the girls it was their first taste of Regional Rugby and for others their final taste before moving up to the Senior programme.
Each girl should be proud of their achievements as they all played a part in ensuring that both Teams came away from the weekend as the best side in England.
The club also supplied the backbone of the Regional support staff this year with Paula Bates doing a fantastic role as the Team Manager for the U15's & U18's as well as assisting with the Seniors trials.
Our U15's Coaches Jeff Stembridge and Pete Turner were regional coaches under the lead coach Andy Hargraves of Eastern Counties.
Gavin Scott took on the role of Lead coach for the U18's assisted by Tony McClarnon (Both Basford) with the 3rd coach Simon Shutler of Saracens & Herts.
Thanks also to the team first Aider/Welfare officer Rebecca Burton Howard (Jock)
As Regional Programme Manager it has been a pleasure to work with the players and coaches over the last 12 weeks and especially pleasing to see Basford Girls playing such a large part in the East Region success.
Thanks also to the Basford Parents for the support given to the players during the regional heats and the finals.
Now its back to the small matter of both sides trying to bring more silverware back to the club by continuing their winning ways in the Kent & Surrey league.
Congratulations to all our girls and well done, you deserve it for all the hard work that you have put in
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
East Region take Honours.
East Region U15's Best Team in England (Official Ranking) 2008/9
East Region U18 Winners 2008/9
Last weekend saw the culmination of the Regional programme for the Youth section.
Saturday saw the U15's put up a terrific display to face Cardiff Blues in the Cup Final, despite going 10-0 down the East girls fought back to make it 10-10 before conceiding a try in the dying moments which handed the cup to Cardiff.
Parents and spectators alike could not fail to be impressed with the skills that were on show on the day, and non more so than in the 31-0 win over South West North in the semi final which saw East run in some fantastic tries following some sublime passing across the pitch to stretch their opponents.
All the girls should be proud of themselves for the way they raised the game and were unfortunate to come away as only runners up.
Congratulations to you all and well done.
Scores
East 10 South West South 7
East 27 North East 0
Semi Final
East 31 South West North 0
Final
East 10 Cardiff Blues 15
On the Sunday the U18's were in action and spured on by the U15's achievemnets the day before set out in what was a very tough group stage with a well earned 7-0 win against a very good Ospreys team.T he 2nd pool game saw the girls come up against neighbours South East in what was another very close game that East won 7-0.
The 2 victories put the girls through to the cup semi final against a well drilled South West South team. Following some excellent play from the whole team they ran out winners by 19 points to 5 to set up a cup final clash with one of the favourites the South Region.
A pulsating final saw the girls come away with a 19-3 win to take the trophy back to the region for the first time since 2004
The girls from all 3 counties within the region played their part in ensuring the trophy came home with them.
On a slightly sadder note, we have to report that one of the stars of the weekend Georgia Peedle suffered an injury in the final which later turned out to be a broken leg which we hear will keep her out for some time.
Another casualty was in the U15's where Sydney Grace who following a tackle, hurt her back and had to be taken to hospital, however following a check up no serious damage was found and She was able to get back to watch her team mates in the final and collect her runners up medal.
Scores
East 7 Ospreys 0
East 7 South East 0
Semi Final
East 19 South West South 5
Final
East 19 South 3
Friday, March 13, 2009
Cap'n Natters & Mophead make the grade.
Mophead & Natters
Former Basford Players Natalie McClarnon and Sophie Russell have been selected for the England U20 Squad for the match against Wales on 14th April 2009 . The girls impressed the England coaches at a three day training camp, where the squad was whittled down from 36 players.
Natalie & Sophie have had trials for England in recent years, but this is the first time they have been selected. Natalie said " I was really shocked when i found out as i was competing against two other hookers who had played for England U20 last year" " I really pushed myself and am chuffed that after three years of trying i have finally made the England squad. After not quite making it before , i worked even harder and am so proud that i will represent my country."
Both girls, started their rugby career at a young age at their local clubs and moved to play for Basford until they left to play senior rugby at Saracens and Loughborough this season.
Natalie's father Tony McClarnon who helped coach his daughter said " Its brilliant news. She has worked very hard, she does her club training, training with her conditioning coach, regional training and England training." " I would also like to thank all the other people involved with Natalie's development along the way" Wendy Le Grave who coached and managed Natalie up to U 16's, Gavin Scott who over the Basford U18's from Wendy and Paula Bates, Darren Coomer, Phil Robson for their assistance along the way.
Natalie & Sophie have had trials for England in recent years, but this is the first time they have been selected. Natalie said " I was really shocked when i found out as i was competing against two other hookers who had played for England U20 last year" " I really pushed myself and am chuffed that after three years of trying i have finally made the England squad. After not quite making it before , i worked even harder and am so proud that i will represent my country."
Both girls, started their rugby career at a young age at their local clubs and moved to play for Basford until they left to play senior rugby at Saracens and Loughborough this season.
Natalie's father Tony McClarnon who helped coach his daughter said " Its brilliant news. She has worked very hard, she does her club training, training with her conditioning coach, regional training and England training." " I would also like to thank all the other people involved with Natalie's development along the way" Wendy Le Grave who coached and managed Natalie up to U 16's, Gavin Scott who over the Basford U18's from Wendy and Paula Bates, Darren Coomer, Phil Robson for their assistance along the way.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Christmas Fun Game
Well done to all the dads and coaches (and a couple of ringers) who turned out to give the girls a lesson in how to play rugby using a zimmer frame and walking sticks.
Despite the obvious help from the referee who tried his hardest to give the girls a victory, the old gits won CONVINCINGLY HA HA.
With the Old gits having taken a commanding half time lead the referee decided that in the 2nd half he would even things up and gave out numerous yellow cards for trivial offences such as questioning his parentage or tackling girls off the ball and yours truly spent much of the 2nd half along with Mark in the sin bin with 7 yellow cards between the two of us.
Twas a good game and great fun and well done to all who turned out.
The Xmas draw took place to win the 2 fantastic Benefit Cosmetics hampers kindly donated by Ian, Gail and all the girls at Benefit in Chelmsford.
Thanks to all those girls/coaches parents who sold tickets, all the monies raised will go towards the tour kit for the Easter tour.
Prize winners of the hampers
Bev Harvey
Sarah (Scotties sister)
Thanks to all and have a great Xmas and see you all on the 4th Jan for the home game with Saracens.
Despite the obvious help from the referee who tried his hardest to give the girls a victory, the old gits won CONVINCINGLY HA HA.
With the Old gits having taken a commanding half time lead the referee decided that in the 2nd half he would even things up and gave out numerous yellow cards for trivial offences such as questioning his parentage or tackling girls off the ball and yours truly spent much of the 2nd half along with Mark in the sin bin with 7 yellow cards between the two of us.
Twas a good game and great fun and well done to all who turned out.
The Xmas draw took place to win the 2 fantastic Benefit Cosmetics hampers kindly donated by Ian, Gail and all the girls at Benefit in Chelmsford.
Thanks to all those girls/coaches parents who sold tickets, all the monies raised will go towards the tour kit for the Easter tour.
Prize winners of the hampers
Bev Harvey
Sarah (Scotties sister)
Thanks to all and have a great Xmas and see you all on the 4th Jan for the home game with Saracens.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Few Pics of Basford girls playing at County.
Shivy, Kez, Sarah MCB, Megan, Jen
Jen, Kez, Sam
Frank, Jemma, Fi, Sarah MCB
Sarah MCB, Jemma & Sam
Shivy, Jemma, Jen,
Frank, India (background), Jemma, Megan
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Essex Squads 2008/9
U15's
(Back row L to R) Abbie G,Claire,Yaz,Olivia(Capt),Layla, Lucie, Maddy
(Front Row) Abbie C, Hannah, Bron, Amy (Missing from picture due to injury is Katie)
U18's
(Back row) Jen,Jess,Fi,Frenchie,Siobhan,Frank,Meg,Tash,Frances,Sam
(Front Row) Jemma,Scottie,India,Sarah MCB (Capt), Shivvy,Keziah,Sophie,Anna
Essex Triangular Tournament.
As their Alter ego "Essex County", the Basford girls last weekend played host to Kent and Sussex at Southend.
On what was a cold,crisp but dry day both age groups arrived at Southend full of confidence following recent results both as the County and Club side.
U18's
The first game of the day saw Kent up against Sussex in what was an evenly fought game which following a couple of well worked tries went in Kents favour 12-0.
Essex v Kent
The 2nd game of the day saw our girls up against a strong Kent side who had gained the upper hand in the previous clash at Aylesford 12-0.
Determined to make up for this uncharacteristic defeat, the girls were quickly into their stride and from the kick off the ball was well gathered by Fi who played it straight out to Scottie who then whipped a quick ball out to Shiv on the wing to start the 1st of many runs at the Kent defence.
With the front row of Sarah MCB, Jemma and Sam hitting everything that ran at them it allowed the backs to get quick ball and run at the Kent line and supported at every breakdown by Meg and Frances, Jen was like a little terrier feeding of every mistake the Kent girls made and playing some terrific ball out to the centres.
It didnt take the girls long to break the line, and Jen fed Scottie who dummied the defender and ran from the half way line to go over right under the post. Scottie then converting the kick to make it 7-0.
With the forwards gaining the upper hand against a much bigger Kent pack it allowed the backs to continually run at Kent and some terrific phases of play between, Scottie, India, Frenchie, Kez and Sophie soon gave Scottie the opportunity to go over in the corner to make it 12-0.
Turning round in the 2nd half, Kent made a few changes up front which momentarily gave them the upper hand and following a couple of probing runs allowed Kent to go over to make it 12-5.
Essex made a couple of changes bringing on Siobhan, Anna and Tash which gave the line some fresh legs and it wasnt long before Jen had recylced the ball and quickly fed Scottie who went over for her 3rd try of the day which she converted to give a final score to Essex 19-5.
Essex v Sussex
With Sussex looking to make their mark following their defeat to Kent, the game started with at a fast pace, however as with the Kent game the Essex forwards were in no mood to give an inch and with Jen again hovering at the back of every ruck and maul she was giving plenty of ball to the centres to run at the Sussex line. Mid way through the first half the tenacious Frank again broke the line only to be dragged down, but with the forwards piling in to secure ball it was quickly fed back to Frank who this time needed no 2nd chance to go over to make it 5-0. With the game flowing from end to end, it wasnt long before Sussex recorded their 1st points of the day with a well worked try to make it 5-5.
Spured on by this, the Essex girls upped the pace and started to run at the Sussex line which resulted in a try for Jen after Frank had been held up inches short of the line. 10-5.
Sussex not to be outdone put a couple of lovely passes together and as their winger stepped inside and broke the Essex line she had a clear run to go over right under the posts and with the conversion being put away Sussex were in the lead 12-10 with 3 minutes on the clock.
From the restart Scottie put a high ball up into the Sussex defence which was knocked on and from the resulting scrum, Jen fed a quick ball out to Scottie who then drew the defender and popped a neat pass to Sophie to go over in the corner 15-12. Sussex put the ball deep into the Essex half from the restart but it was quickly gathered and put straight into touch with the Referee blowing up for the end of an exciting game of rugby.
U15's
The tournament’s opening game was between Kent and Sussex.
The match was fiercely fought with neither side wishing to concede a point. Kent dominated the forward play whilst the Sussex backs were the stronger of the two teams. Sussex scored first from a well worked move that resulted with a try in the corner. In the second half a further try followed the same attacking movement. Kent fought back bravely and their efforts were awarded with a try late in the game but the final result went to Sussex – winning 17-5.
Essex opening game was against Sussex, who had beaten them in a previous tournament played at the beginning of the season. The game was again a closely fought affair with each team dominating at different parts of the match. The Essex pack of Bron, Amy, Abbie, Maddie and Lucy continually drove into the opposition gaining valuable ground with the backs – Layla, Yaz, Hannah, Olivia, Addie G and Clare constantly breaking through their defensive line. The deadlock to this evenly fought game was finally broken by a determined run by the Essex Captain, Olivia Stembridge, fending off 2 defenders to score in the corner. Shortly after the restart Essex were awarded a penalty near to the Sussex line. Abbie Cook received a pop pass, scoring near to the posts, the final result 10-0 to Essex.
As darkness fell the last game of the day was between Essex and Kent. Even with the floodlights being turned on the lightwas fading fast and it became difficult for either team to really see the ball or what was happening around the pitch. With both teams making numerous mistakes the referee and both coaches agreed to abandon the game, which was classified as a draw.
Well done and congratulations to the U15’s for their tenacity and team spirit. This supports the view that with a full side they are more than a match for any county team.
Boack in the club house the presentations were made with each girl who took part getting a medal, then the Two trophies were presented to the Captains of the 2 victories sides.
Essex won the U18 triangular with 2 wins from 2 and the U15's won their triangular with a win and a draw from thier two games.
Presentations were also made as is the custom to the 2 captains who have led Essex admirably this season.
Congratulations to
Sarah MCB U18's
Olivia Stembridge U15's
Special thanks also to Southend rugby club for their hospitality on the day and to the Referees Steve Cleer, Ian McCready and Bob Lockwood.
Finally a big thanks to the Lady who makes Essex (and Basford) happen, Paula Bates who without her hard work week in week out the girls game would not be at the stage it is within the county.
On what was a cold,crisp but dry day both age groups arrived at Southend full of confidence following recent results both as the County and Club side.
U18's
The first game of the day saw Kent up against Sussex in what was an evenly fought game which following a couple of well worked tries went in Kents favour 12-0.
Essex v Kent
The 2nd game of the day saw our girls up against a strong Kent side who had gained the upper hand in the previous clash at Aylesford 12-0.
Determined to make up for this uncharacteristic defeat, the girls were quickly into their stride and from the kick off the ball was well gathered by Fi who played it straight out to Scottie who then whipped a quick ball out to Shiv on the wing to start the 1st of many runs at the Kent defence.
With the front row of Sarah MCB, Jemma and Sam hitting everything that ran at them it allowed the backs to get quick ball and run at the Kent line and supported at every breakdown by Meg and Frances, Jen was like a little terrier feeding of every mistake the Kent girls made and playing some terrific ball out to the centres.
It didnt take the girls long to break the line, and Jen fed Scottie who dummied the defender and ran from the half way line to go over right under the post. Scottie then converting the kick to make it 7-0.
With the forwards gaining the upper hand against a much bigger Kent pack it allowed the backs to continually run at Kent and some terrific phases of play between, Scottie, India, Frenchie, Kez and Sophie soon gave Scottie the opportunity to go over in the corner to make it 12-0.
Turning round in the 2nd half, Kent made a few changes up front which momentarily gave them the upper hand and following a couple of probing runs allowed Kent to go over to make it 12-5.
Essex made a couple of changes bringing on Siobhan, Anna and Tash which gave the line some fresh legs and it wasnt long before Jen had recylced the ball and quickly fed Scottie who went over for her 3rd try of the day which she converted to give a final score to Essex 19-5.
Essex v Sussex
With Sussex looking to make their mark following their defeat to Kent, the game started with at a fast pace, however as with the Kent game the Essex forwards were in no mood to give an inch and with Jen again hovering at the back of every ruck and maul she was giving plenty of ball to the centres to run at the Sussex line. Mid way through the first half the tenacious Frank again broke the line only to be dragged down, but with the forwards piling in to secure ball it was quickly fed back to Frank who this time needed no 2nd chance to go over to make it 5-0. With the game flowing from end to end, it wasnt long before Sussex recorded their 1st points of the day with a well worked try to make it 5-5.
Spured on by this, the Essex girls upped the pace and started to run at the Sussex line which resulted in a try for Jen after Frank had been held up inches short of the line. 10-5.
Sussex not to be outdone put a couple of lovely passes together and as their winger stepped inside and broke the Essex line she had a clear run to go over right under the posts and with the conversion being put away Sussex were in the lead 12-10 with 3 minutes on the clock.
From the restart Scottie put a high ball up into the Sussex defence which was knocked on and from the resulting scrum, Jen fed a quick ball out to Scottie who then drew the defender and popped a neat pass to Sophie to go over in the corner 15-12. Sussex put the ball deep into the Essex half from the restart but it was quickly gathered and put straight into touch with the Referee blowing up for the end of an exciting game of rugby.
U15's
The tournament’s opening game was between Kent and Sussex.
The match was fiercely fought with neither side wishing to concede a point. Kent dominated the forward play whilst the Sussex backs were the stronger of the two teams. Sussex scored first from a well worked move that resulted with a try in the corner. In the second half a further try followed the same attacking movement. Kent fought back bravely and their efforts were awarded with a try late in the game but the final result went to Sussex – winning 17-5.
Essex opening game was against Sussex, who had beaten them in a previous tournament played at the beginning of the season. The game was again a closely fought affair with each team dominating at different parts of the match. The Essex pack of Bron, Amy, Abbie, Maddie and Lucy continually drove into the opposition gaining valuable ground with the backs – Layla, Yaz, Hannah, Olivia, Addie G and Clare constantly breaking through their defensive line. The deadlock to this evenly fought game was finally broken by a determined run by the Essex Captain, Olivia Stembridge, fending off 2 defenders to score in the corner. Shortly after the restart Essex were awarded a penalty near to the Sussex line. Abbie Cook received a pop pass, scoring near to the posts, the final result 10-0 to Essex.
As darkness fell the last game of the day was between Essex and Kent. Even with the floodlights being turned on the lightwas fading fast and it became difficult for either team to really see the ball or what was happening around the pitch. With both teams making numerous mistakes the referee and both coaches agreed to abandon the game, which was classified as a draw.
Well done and congratulations to the U15’s for their tenacity and team spirit. This supports the view that with a full side they are more than a match for any county team.
Boack in the club house the presentations were made with each girl who took part getting a medal, then the Two trophies were presented to the Captains of the 2 victories sides.
Essex won the U18 triangular with 2 wins from 2 and the U15's won their triangular with a win and a draw from thier two games.
Presentations were also made as is the custom to the 2 captains who have led Essex admirably this season.
Congratulations to
Sarah MCB U18's
Olivia Stembridge U15's
Special thanks also to Southend rugby club for their hospitality on the day and to the Referees Steve Cleer, Ian McCready and Bob Lockwood.
Finally a big thanks to the Lady who makes Essex (and Basford) happen, Paula Bates who without her hard work week in week out the girls game would not be at the stage it is within the county.
match report courtesy of Jeff and Phil
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