Totnes Under 10's
Coach: Gary Throgmorton (Frog) 07883 075 917
Manager: Niola Stone
Tiverton Rugby Under 10's Festival Sunday 11th April
Totnes joined 23 other teams from across the county at Tiverton Rugby Club for a great day festival of rugby. Totnes were drawn in a tough pool of teams that included Topsham, Kingsbridge, Okehampton, Sharks and a Barbarian team. The 13 strong Totnes squad was Aiden Coburn(Prop) John Berry (Prop), Edwin Smith (Hooker), William James (Hooker), Callum Thomas (Srum-half), Callum Edgecombe(Srum-half), William Throgmorton(Fly-half), Jacob Hempson(Fly-half),James Cunliffe(Centre), William Cunliffe(Centre)Adam Ulvede(Wing), Jack Connabeer(Wing), Tom Rutley(Wing).
The Totnes team this year has really progressed over the months since Christmas and are now a completely different proposition to any opposition team. All members of the squad have worked hard to improve their game and skill levels and have at last begun to respond to the coaching staff and in particular Head Coach, Gary Throgmorton. Thanks to Gary from all the players,mums and dads. The standard of rugby played at the festival was fantastic and Totnes were able to compete with the best of them - well done all from the Coaches - we are very proud of the way you played.
The first game was against Okehampton and a good display of forward power saw Okehampton score to go in front earlier on. However, Totnes fought back with a particularly determined second half and with their defence better organised Totnes forced some errors that allowed the quick backs to make good yards towards the the try line. The final whistle however came too soon for Totnes with the score remaining 0-5.
Next up were the Barbarians. Totnes were the first to score with prop John Berry crashing over for the first of his two tries of the game. The Barbas came back strongly and scored through some powerful forward play of their own. Berry ripped the ball from a maul in midfield and ran in to score again. The second half saw Totnes put together some of their best play of the season with Smith and Rutley linking well to feed Connabeer who danced through several tackles before being dragged into touch. The Totnes backs now had an appetite for the ball and Throgmorton spread the ball wide to James Cunliffe who out paced the wide cover to run 30 metres and score to seal the win 15-5.
The Sharks proved to be well organised and disciplined in their ability to attack from set pieces and the Totnes defence struggled to contain the good runs from the Sharks back line. The first half saw two Sharks tries with Aiden Coburn the only Totnes player able to prevent the Sharks forward momentum. Strong words from the Coach (Gary Throgmorton) saw Totnes step up their defensive effort with William Cunliffe and Rutley making some big hits to stop the relentless Sharks. Totnes were able stop any further tries leaving the result at 0-10.
Kingsbridge poved to be the team setting the standard in this pool and eventually won a semi final place in the competition. A rare attack by Totnes early in the first half saw Throgmorton split the defensive line by side-stepping his way past 3 players but from then on it was all Kingsbridge. Totnes were overwhelmed by the streetwise Kingsbridge oufit but great determination in defence from Smith and Rutley saved certain scores. Final score 0-25.
Totnes rallied in the last game against Topsham. Positional changes saw Throgmorton move to scrum-half, Hempson to fly-half and Thomas to the centre. Straighter running from the Totnes backs made some in roads to Topsham territory but despite raising their game no tries were to come. Topsham played well and were to progress further in the competition . Final score 0-10
Back row (left to right) - Paul Thomas (assistant coach), William James, Aidan Coburn, William Cunliffe, Jacob Hempson, James Cunliffe, William Throgmorten, John Berry, Gary Throgmorten (coach)
Front Row (left to right) - Tom Ruttley, Callum Thomas, Callum Edgecombe, Jack Connabeer, Edwin Smith, Adam Ulvede
21st March 2010
Totnes 35 Plymstock 10
It was a nice sunny day when Totnes went to Plymstock Albion and playing conditions were ideal with a large pitch which was to a Totnes advantage. From the whistle Plymstock took the game to Totnes and scored in the first few minutes of play. Totnes replied straight away from a forwards move out to the backs then into the safe hands of winger Tom Rutley , using his fast pace to score in the right hand corner. Plymstock restarted the game but soon found Totnes backs defense too strong, Cunliffe brothers William and James putting in some hard tackles. A determined drive up the centre saw Callum Thomas pick up from the base of the ruck, and be driven over by his team mates to score. Good support by the Totnes forwards delivered the ball to winger Jack Connabeer, who darted his his way through the Plymstock line to score. Plymstock came straight back at Totnes but again Totnes managed to turn the ball over.
Totnes prop Aidan Coburn managed to find space and power his way to the line to score. Once again the game restarted and Plymstock drove there way to the line but a good cover tackle Aidan Coburn stopped Plymstock from scoring, which gave Totnes another line out. A well rehearsed move straight out to winger Tom Rutley, who ran the length of the pitch to score. With half time changes Totnes restarted with the ball using a back move straight out to new lad Ewan Gribbins playing his first match for Totnes at centre with a good run with the ball before passing it out to William Cunliffe who drove his way to the line to score. Plymstock came at Totnes once more, George Stubbs playing winger, put in a crunching tackle to yet again deny Plymstock a score. Totnes prop John Berry picked up the loose ball and charged through the Plymstock defense to score but injured himself in the process. Totnes had to reposition themselves, so William Cunliffe went into prop William James going in at centre. Plymstock took a second try but Tom Rutley had the final say with another try to finish the game.
Totnes 35 Plymstock 10
man of the match Jack Connabeer and Ewan Gribbins
Second game Totnes 25 Plymstock 10
With trys from
Jacob Hempton Fly half
Tom Rutley winger
John Andrews prop
James Cunliffe Centre
Jack Connabeer Winger
7th March 10
U10s match report Totnes vs Teignmouth
A bitterly cold sunday morning, at the Borough park, Totnes hosted Teignmouth u10s.
Teignmouth opened up the scoring with a forward move. Totnes replied straight away with their own forward move, prop John Berry running onto the ball, driving over line to score.
From the restart Teignmouth ran the ball straight away at Totnes, using their back line. However, good cover tackles from Totnes centres William and James Cunliff stopped the move. Teignmouth were given a scrum which they won. Their srum half dodged through Totnes defense to score. From the restart Totnes used a back move themselves with good support from the forwards. Prop John Berry found some space to run in a try. Teignmouth backs again ran a try using there winger. Totnes used a back move straight out to Totnes winger Tom Rutley but against Teignmouth’s strong defense there was no way through.
Teignmouth fly half managed to get the ball out to his backs and they ran in another good try. From the restart Totnes forwards got the ball and prop Aidan Coburn, with strong running, ran through Teignmouths defense to score. Teignmouth scored twice more before the break to make it 30 15 at the beginning of the second half. Totnes came out more strongly with fly half William Throgmorton side stepping his way through Teignmouth side to score.
Once again Teignmouth replied straight away with another too trys. Totnes prop John Berry scored again with a fine move from a line out. Teignmouth ran too more trys in, but Totnes replied with another try from Totnes fly half william Throgmorton. Teignmouth scored twice more and then Totnes replied with a scrum on Teignmouth’s 10 meter line allowing srum half Callum Thomas to pick up and drive over the line to score.
Final score Teignmouth 50 Totnes 35
man of match William Cunliff for hard tackling defensive work.
28/02/2010.
Saltash U10s 5 v Totnes U10s 60
Totnes U10s travelled to a windswept Moorlands Lane to be entertained by Saltash U10s on Sunday. Straight from kick-off Totnes showed their intent with a powerful drive up the middle, this allowed Totnes to recycle quick clean ball which saw Tom Rutley go over for the opening try. Saltash restarted but were quickly pressured into losing the ball centre-field, John Andrews capitalised and ran through some weak tackling to take the second try. Totnes continued to build on their lead, benefiting from some strong forward play by Andrews, Aiden Coburn, Stanley Popham and George Stubbs.
Stubbs in particular with some excellent drives which more than once set up Totnes. Saltash continued to try and counter but were always under pressure from the rush defence and dominating forward play. More tries were inevitable and these were duly taken by Andrews (5), Jack Connabeer, Edwin Smith, Callum Thomas (2), William Throgmorten and William James who rolled off a maul and neatly stepped inside the defence to go over. Saltash tried opening the game up and were rewarded with a try of their own deep into the second half. Totnes will be buoyed by this result and will look forward to meeting Teignmouth at home next Sunday. Man of the match was John Andrews.
Under 10’s 21st Feb 10
Totnes 40, Brixham 0
Slippery pitch conditions didn’t diminish the enthusiasm and enterprise of the Totnes team. The muddy conditions forced a tight driving game with William Throgmorton benefiting from a forward drive and a well timed short pass taking him over for the first try. Brixham adopted the same tight driving game but a fumble saw Aiden Coburn pick up and charge to the line to score the second for Totnes.
Solid Brixham tackling couldn’t prevent the Totnes forwards from getting within 5 metres of the line for scrum half Callum Edgecombe to pick up from the ruck to score. The final try of the half came from Totnes centre William Cunliffe who found himself at the end of a good passing movement out on the right to score.
The second half continued to be just as entertaining although the game was halted for the mud to be wiped from the ball. Good support play saw John Berry burst down the right to power his way to the corner to score. Totnes had an appetite to run the ball wider now and good passing saw Tom Rutley on the right wing slide in for the first of his two tries.
Edwin Smith and James Cunliffe linked well to drive the ball close to the Brixham line allowing Callum Thomas to pick up from the ruck to score. Totnes man of the match went to Stanley Popham for his all round performance.
UNDER 10 TOTNES vs NEWTON ABBOT
7.2.10 PLAYED AT TOTNES
Newton were the first to strike with a good try. From the restart the Totnes pack drove forward with prop Aidan Coburn creating space for John Andrews to run in a try, however Newton replied straight away.
Totnes put in some excellent cover tackles, William Throgmorton putting himself on the line several times to stop Newton from scoring. Despite the Totnes effort Newton did eventually break through to score again.
Totnes scrum half Callum Edgecombe switched the move from the forwards to the backs resulting in fly half, William Throgmorton, side stepping his way past the Newton defence to score. Despite brothers William and James Cunliffe putting in some strong tackles Newton replied straightaway from a scrum on the Totnes 10 metre line which left the visitors ending the first half leading by 10 points.
The second half saw a well rehearsed training ground move pay off with Jon Andrews getting his second try. Totnes wingers Jack Connabeer and Callum Thomas both showed their pace and elusive running only to be stopped by strong defensive work from Newton. Loose play by Totnes saw Newton capitalise on the mistake and score in the far corner.
Totnes scrum half, Callum Edgecombe, found some space as a result of some strong driving play by William James and side stepped his way to the line to score. Newton replied through their backs to score again. William Throgmorton scored the final Totnes try proving he has the power to take on the best of defences and crashed over after some good linkage play. Final score Totnes 25 Newton 35.
Sunday 24th Jan 10
Totnes v Dartmouth
Totnes were given a rude awaking when Dartmouth started the game with determination and desire. Good discipline in the ruck and straight running was a successful platform and rewarded Dartmouth with 4 tries in quick succession. Totnes gradually developed an appetite for the game with Jon Andrews and Aiden Coburn stepping up to prevent Dartmouth advancing further and the Totnes team responded to the example set by putting together some forward drives of their own.
The second half saw a number injury substitutions with Throgmorton, James and Edgecombe all deserving of a rest for their efforts. Totnes have speed out in the backs and Tom Rutley was the most threatening with several runs only just stopped by Dartmouth. The discipline and passing of Dartmouth however meant that again Totnes were left chasing shadows despite their efforts. The main highlight for Totnes came from a sustained drive from the forwards that allowed Callum Thomas to pick up and be driven over for the only Totnes try. Man of the Match for Totnes went to centre William Cunliffe for great defensive work throughout the game.
Aiden Coburn jumping for the ball, with Callum Thomas in support.
Torquay RFC versus Totnes RFC, 17th January 2010
Torquay 25 Totnes 5
After several weeks off due to the extreme weather conditions around the country this was both teams first game of 2010. A good turn out on both teams meant that two games could be played.
Despite the long layoff both teams got into the swing of things for the opening game but it was Torquay who stole the early honours scoring two breakaway tries within the first 8 minutes.
The first was as a result of good awareness running the ball to the right out flanking the Totnes cover and the second with strong running through the middle. Totnes soon rallied with some good drives from John Andrew and Aiden Coburn after some great defensive work from William Throgmorton and Will James. In the strength sapping mud both teams were determined to entertain the crowd and continued to throw the ball around.
Coburn continued to lead the charge for Totnes supported by Andrew and although Totnes scored no tries in the first half with Throgmorton feeding the pacey runs of Rutley, Connabeer and Thomas a Totnes try was inevitable the longer the game went on.
The second half brought a further drive from the Torquay team with Totnes’ Edwin Smith, George Stubbs and Stanley Popham beginning to make some telling tackles. It proved not enough however and Torquay stretched their lead further. Totnes settled better in this second half and a good release in the tackle from Will James allowed James Cunliffe to stretch his legs and show his speed running 20 metres beating the defensive cover to score in the corner.
Team effort has been a large part of the Totnes ethos and although Torquay battled their way back to score another toward the end of the game Totnes were resolute and better for playing this hard fought match. Totnes man of the match was Aiden Coburn.
The second game saw Totnes come out more determined and better organised. Two tries in the first 4 minutes gave Torquay a hill to climb. Loose ball won by John Andrew saw him set off and crash through tackle after tackle eventually finding space on the right he was able to score in the corner. The second Totnes try came after strong driving in the centre of the pitch allowing the ball to be laid beautifully for Callum Thomas to pick up from scrum half and drift out right evading the cover defence to score. Torquay battled back to score in the second half but Totnes had done enough, the final score Torquay 5 - Totnes 10.
Sunday 11th October 09
The under 10's stepped up there play against a strong Paignton team narrowly losing 30-20 . Tom Stone had a great game as did Jon Andrews ,Aidan Coburn and Kye Loveday in the pack .Todays try scorers were Tom Stone (3) and Sam Osborn (1) .The boys will be looking for their first win next week against Teignmouth. Come on Tots!
Totnes U9’s V Topsham
Topsham 30 Totnes 25
It was a hard fought game played at Topsham with both teams playing well. Topsham were the first to score with a move up the middle of the field, Totnes replied with a try from fly-half Tom Stone on the far wing. Topsham scored again and William Throgmorton levelled the score by running in a try from well inside his own half. Both packs played hard at scrums and line outs with some great tackles from hooker Edwin Smith. John Andrews had a good game carrying the ball well. Another try from Topsham just before the break put them in the lead.
Another good try scored by Tom Stone after the break levelled the score again and winger Jack Connabeer made a good run down the wing to be stopped just short of the line. Topsham scored another try from a line-out just off the Totnes 10 metre line. A fantastic switch move from Fly half Tom Stone to William Throgmorton who ran through the Topsham back line levelled the score once again. Topsham replied straight away with another try. Topsham gave away a penalty just inside their own half, a tap penalty from Scrum half Callum Edgecombe to Tom Stone who ran in another try. Topsham score again to win in the dying minutes of the game. Man of the Match went to James Russ who was playing in only his second match.
Totnes under 9’s break their duck!! Totnes 20 – Torquay 5
With determination and consistency of training Totnes have finally proved to themselves that they are a team that can win.
Totnes under 9’s were away to Torquay on Sunday March 1st and the entire team were anxious to prove that ‘Frogs’ training would finally pull off. From the first whistle Totnes took the game to their opponents and over and over again proved that they were the more disciplined side. Sam Osborn shared the scrum half position with Callum Edgecombe and both boys showed an amazing understanding of the game with their ability to keep the forwards and backs working together. Torquay went over the line first, but was quickly answered by William Throgmorton with a cracking try running through the entire home side.
Captain Tom Stone soon backed up this try when Sam Osborn picked the ball up from a ruck and ran down the length of the field and on the try line just as he was about to get tackled popped the ball out to Tom who put it over the line. In the second half the Totnes side became more confident and showed a tackling ability that completely over whelmed Torquay. No matter where Torquay were, there was always a Totnes player there to stop them. Tom Rutley and Edwin Smith were thorns in the side of Torquay and drew in the Torquay boys to allow Tom Stone and William Throgmorton one more try each. Man of the match went to Edwin Smith
Totnes under 9’s v Paignton 7th December 08
A Thrilling game from Totnes under 9’s
The Totnes under 9’s are really starting to show their colours in what can only be described as the best game of the season. Both teams were eager for a fast hard game and that is exactly what they produced. The first try went to Paignton, but Tom Stone quickly replied with a pick and run down the line to even the score. Paignton then retaliated with another try but Will Throgmorton with a stunning run through the Paignton backs scored to even the match again. 10 all and both teams hungry for a win. There was loads of action in the Totnes half and a knock on from the Paignton side got a scrum awarded to Totnes. Scrum half Sam Osborn passed the ball out to Man of the Match Tom Stone who flew over the line for his second try of the day.
Paignton then brought the score right back with a sensational run from their winger to bring the teams even at half time. The second half got a little feisty with a few skirmishes breaking out on the pitch. During one incident Totnes had the advantage and the ref allowed them to play on, with some inspired passing between Tom Stone and William Throgmorton, Will put the ball over the line for his second try of the day.
Totnes were now in the lead, but not for long as Paignton grabbed a loose ball and powered it over their try line. The game became heavier and more physical with neither team giving an inch and it looked like Paignton were going to take the match but Tom Rutley picked the ball up on the Paignton try line and (living up to his name Speedy) streaked down the entire length of the pitch to even the score with the try of the game. 25 all and 2 minutes to go. Unfortunately for Totnes, Paignton got the bit between their teeth in the final minutes and took the ball over the line twice more to end a very exciting game 35 points to 25.
Man of the Match went to Tom Stone and John Andrew
Totnes v Exmouth under 9's Sunday 19th October
The parents and coach of the Totnes under 9’s weren’t sure this week, whether Exmouth were coming to the park to play Rugby or to take over the world. The sea of purple shirts went back as far as the eye could see as Exmouth arrived with over two full squads of players, five coaches and some very enthusiastic parents. Due to the number of players, the Exmouth Squad kept changing the line out during the match to allow everybody to have a game.
This, in itself is admirable, but caused the Totnes boys a lot of trouble as they were always facing fresh legs. In the first half, it looked as if Exmouth were going to run away with the match as they scored six trys with Totnes struggling due to the sheer physicality of the tackling, rucking and mauling. Several of the boys got injured during the first half, but with only one sub, they dusted themselves off and got on with the game. The second half saw a different attitude altogether, and Totnes started to take the game to Exmouth.
Tom Stone got possession of the ball and passed it out to the scrum half Sam Osborn in the Exmouth half. Sam ran the entire length of the pitch down the wing to put the ball over the line. Totnes had finally got onto the board. This try encouraged the Totnes boys into flashes of brilliance, especially with their tackling and speed of running. Tom Stone got possession of the ball on the opposite wing and by sheer physical effort ran through the Exmouth boys for our second try.
Totnes were now passing the ball out to players with space and with a long pass to Daniel Armstrong, they completely wrong footed Exmouth and he again ran down the wing for our third try. Unfortunately, in the final five minutes of the match, Exmouth changed their entire lineout again and Totnes were facing a completely fresh team of players.
They doggedly battled on, but struggled to hold off the new team, who put several more trys over the line. Totnes dug deep for the final few minutes and got possession of the ball, it was passed to Tom S who ran it over the line for our fourth and final try. The final score, did not reflect the standard of play from our boys, who have improved immeasurably over the last few weeks.
Man of the Match went to Sam Osborn and Tom Stone
Totnes V Cullompton U9's Sunday 5th Oct
This Sunday Totnes traveled to Cullompton for the first game of the season. It's quite a special year, as they have now moved on to full contact.
As we arrived the rain stopped and looked quite promising for the rest of the day. Play got underway just after 11. Anxious parents stood on the side line wondering what to expect.
The Totnes lads seemed to be well up for it. Frog had briefed them well and they were all keen to get going. However Cullompton didn't appear to be any stranger to the change in the game as they waded in from the start making tackle after tackle.
Cullompton soon proved themselves with their first try in only a matter of minutes. The second and third came shortly after, so did the fourth and fifth! Undeterred Totnes kept fighting, they certainly weren't going to make it easy for the home side.
Cullompton were very well organised with some exceptional play from a group of lads that age.
Half time came with Cullompton 25 - 0 in front. Down, but by no means beaten Totnes ran out for the second half, whatever the coach 'Froggy' said to them and a slight slope in their favour seemed to make all the difference.
Within a couple of minutes Tones were on the score sheet with a very strong driving run from Tom Stone shaking off two or three players to ground the ball in the corner. This was the spirit Totnes needed to get going.
Jack Connabeer was next to score by outpacing their backs and running wide to the opposite corner. Jack had the bit between his teeth and only a minute or two after scored his second.
Both sides were now quite settled and from what looked from the start like a one sided game, could now be anyones 25 - 15 and all to play for.
Cullompton soon found a way through scoring another two trys in close succession. Play became tighter in the centre of the pitch as each team struggled for possession. Tom Stone showed his strength and scored a further two tries. Then with only a few minutes to go Cullompton scored their 8th. Totnes fought right up to the end with a third try from Jack leaving the final score 40 - 30 to the home side.
Frog said after that everybody had played very well and they all rose the challenge by sticking at it and producing a very respectable result.
Man of the match this week went to two players for their full involvement and tackling ability.
Well done to Callum Thomas and Tom Rutley
