Juniors Match Reports

Cirencester 7's competition U13 U13 : vs Cirencester 7s (A) Third place Sun 02-May-2010   It took a while for the lads to get their heads on in cold and windy conditions, but in the end they finished up the season in fine spirit with a convincing win over Dursley to take third place, after winning two of their four round-robin games. Match 1 vs Stow : lost 3 tries to nil. Match 2 vs Dursley : won 4 tries to 1 (tries from Morgan Bottrill (3) and Tom Arnold). Match 3 vs Cirencester : lost 2 tries to 1 (try scored by Tom Waller, converted by Danny Barber). Match 4 vs Stroud : won 4 tries to nil (tries from Jack Mattock (2), Morgan Bottrill and Cam Brady). Playoff vs Dursley : won 4 tries to 1 (tries from Tom Waller, Morgan Bottrill, Cam Brady and Matt Manns, conversions Danny Barber and Cam Brady). Bredon Under 14`s win 4th Cirencester Trophy U14 U14 : vs Cirencester 7s (A) WIN Sun 02-May-2010   Bredon Under 14`s Triumph for the 4th year in a row at Cirencester 7`s On wet and windy Morning Bredon travelled to Cirencester on a final quest for some Silverware to end the year with. Pool Matches: Bredon 41 – Gloucester Old Boys 0: Bredon started in emphatic style with an impressive victory and some very stylish 7`s Rugby. Bredon 19 – Stow 0: A much tougher game in which Bredon had to scrap very hard against a very physical Stow side. Bredon 27 – Cirencester 7: Cirencester drew first blood, which fortunately stirred life into Bredon who then scored 27 unanswered points. Bredon 35 – Keynsham 7: Bredon once more showed some excellent 7`s Rugby in another dominant display. FINAL: Bredon 31 – Cirencester 12: Bredon started with a bit of complacency and soon found themselves 12 points to 7 down at half time. Shaken Bredon stirred into life in the second half to score 24 unanswered points. A well deserved victory for some stylish 7`s Rugby. Tough semi-final lost after all group games won U13 U13 : vs Stourbridge (A) Stourbridge 1 - 3 Bredon Sun 25-Apr-2010   This was always going to be a tough day with a depleted squad, so the lads had to work hard right from the outset. Three group games followed hopefully by semi-final and final would be physically demanding. The first match against Risca start in confident fashion, with big first-time tackles setting the style for the match. Soon after the kick-off Bredon were on the attack, driving the maul from halfway until they were close enough for Tim Fenney to peel off and break through the defensive line to run in the first try. This was closely following by Morgan Bottrill thundering through for one of his trademark tries from halfway. The conversion by Matt Hoper took the score to 12-0. After the halftime interval Risca came back with a fast break to bag a converted try, taking the score to 12-7. The rest of the half was pretty much to-and-fro with neither side making much headway. Final score Bredon 12 Risca 7. Group game 2 was against Malvern, doubtless keen to do something to redress the balance after the one-side match a few weeks back. As it turned out, our lads again proved too strong for them. It took a few minutes to open the scoring but after Bredon held most of the possession and all the territorial advantage this was finally turned into points with a try from Morgan, converted by Matt. Soon afterwards, some solid rucking at the breakdown allowed the ball to be released to Tim Fenney who kicked from a long way out for Bottrill to chase. The ball stood up perfectly at just the right moment, allowing Morgan to run in for try 2, again converted by Matt. In the second half Bottrill made it a hat-trick after collecting the ball from a penalty just over 5m out. Malvern then looked like they would take at least some consolation points, only to be held back inches from the line by fierce Bredon defence. Final score Bredon 17 Malvern 0. Redditch were the opponents for the third group game. A relatively inexperienced side, Redditch had few answers for Bredon's determined attack, and soon found themselves on the wrong side of a hefty scoreline. Jack Tharme opened the scoring after several attacking moves with a try converted by Matt Hoper. Try two from a 5m penalty was scored by Josh Smith, and the third and fourth tries (both converted by Hoper) were fine individual runs by Tharme and Bottrill. Final score Bredon 26 Redditch 0. After winning the group, Bredon now found themselves facing the home side Stourbridge in the main semi-final, with only 11 or 12 players still fit plus several 'walking wounded'. Nevertheless, our lads were not going to give up without a fight. Unfortunately it did not take Stourbridge long to take advantage of the size of the first team pitch to run in two tries along the touch-line. After the half-time interval Bredon stepped up their work rate, and although they were unable to score they did hold off several attacks from Stourbridge, one held up only inches from the line. Final score Bredon 0 Stourbridge 10. Plate Final U14 U14 : vs Worcester (A) Bredon 3 - Worcester 7 Sun 25-Apr-2010   Bredon competed well and were much the more skillful side, but one lucky bounce and Worcester scored under the posts, to add to Bredon`s misery we had a perfectly good try disallowed, which would have won the match!!!!! Otherwise a very good game with two teams deserving to be in the Final. Bredon rack up the points on visit to Malvern U13 U13 : vs Malvern (A) Malvern 0 - 69 Bredon Sun 28-Mar-2010   On a day when Spring tried once more to show its face, Bredon travelled to Malvern looking to turn in a performance that would erase the memory of their recent visit to Cirencester. In his pre-match talk head coach Ian Fenney was really only looking for one thing - complete commitment to the game. First-time tackles and supportive play were lacking at Cirencester and the lads knew this, so they were certainly up for a chance to put this right. In the end the match proved less of a challenge than it could have, so Bredon were not really put to the test. Malvern were able to retain most of their own lineouts, and a share of their own scrums, but in the end our lads were just too strong for them. Taking eleven tries and seven conversions without conceding a single score, Bredon came away well-pleased with the result but still knowing that some areas of the game need to be stepped up. Too many balls were thrown away in a hurry when there was all the time in the world for the pack to hold things solid while the next play was set up, and conversely those few chances when a quick penalty would have yielded more scoring opportunities were taken at a leisurely pace. Nevertheless another all-round solid performance. The score was opened just a couple of minutes in, as Tom Waller charged downfield following our kick-off and recovered the ball, quickly feeding the forwards who thundered towards the line. Malvern were quickly on the back foot and yielded an early penalty from which the Bredon pack surged forward again, ending up with Patrick Owen tucking the ball under his arm and steaming in alongside the posts from 5 metres out. This really set the scene for the rest of the match, with the hosts unable to put many moves together and never really looking like scoring. The Bredon pack were dominant throughout, taking several scrums against the head. It was from one such scrum about 10m out that fly-half Tim Fenney showed his usual turn of speed to slot through the gaps to cross the line for try number two. Not unexpectedly, Morgan Bottrill was the next name on the scoresheet, with his trademark run from a penalty taken at around halfway to cross under the posts, the try being converted by Matt Hoper to take the score to 17-0. Moments later Bredon were back on the attack, forcing a penalty on the 5m line, from which Danny Barber kicked into the corner for newcomer Cam Brady to touch down, Matt Hoper adding the extras. With two more tries added before halftime by Bottrill and Waller, both converted by Hoper, Bredon went into the break with the scoreline at 38-0. After the interval Bredon continued to pile on the pressure. Malvern dropped the kick-off too short and Waller ran the ball right back through to score under the posts. Bottrill added two more tries in the half, Waller took one more, and Jack Mattock also ran in for a try. Malvern did carry into the Bredon half several times, but appeared unable to find that extra punch needed to break the Bredon defence, whereas it seemed at times all too easy for Bredon to crash through the Malvern lines and score. Things became somewhat less disciplined towards the end of the match, with less commitment to the ruck as some players stood off waiting for the next scoring opportunity, but all in all the pack worked hard throughout and the backs worked a number of good moves through the hands. Tries: Patrick Owen, Tim Fenney, Morgan Bottrill (4), Cam Brady, Tom Waller (3), Jack Mattock Conversions: Matt Hoper (7) Back to winning ways at Worcester U17 U17 : vs Worcester (A) Worcester 0 - 32 Bredon Sun 28-Mar-2010   Bredon made the trip to Worcester’s impressive new junior pitches for the first time since they have opened. Ground conditions were good with the pitch having dried. Bredon started well, running the ball at all opportunities and quickly scored. The conversion was very difficult in a strong crosswind with the ball having to be held on the tee. Worcester then fought back aided by a string of penalties for ruck offences and scored to level the match. Bredon started to be a bit more accurate and disciplined and the penalties started to go their way. When a Worcester player was yellow carded for preventing quick ball, Bredon got on top scoring another try before half time. Turning round 10-5 up, Bredon then started to look like the team they are, punching holes in the tiring Worcester defence, scoring 4 more tries. Conversions proved problematic in the wind with the only success being one from a drop kick! Final score 32-0 Tries: Saxby, Merchant (2), Harkness (2), Attwood. Conversion: Attwood. Another tough day at the office U17 U17 : vs Wolverhampton (H) Bredon 15 - 17 Wolverhampton Sun 21-Mar-2010   This was a delayed North Mids First Division match following the bad weather at the new year. Bredon and Wolverhampton were both unbeaten, with Whitchurch being the other team in contention for the North Mids Cup. However Bredon were without a number of players due to injury and international call-up. A tough encounter was expected, as these teams had only met before at the Ireland tour last year, in which Wolverhampton had come out on top. But Bredon were the first on the board, with a penalty kick from Joe Freeman. Indeed a feature of the match was the number of penalties conceeded (on both sides, with Wolverhampton edging it). Wolverhampton replied quickly, though, with a converted try, running through the defence. And followed up with another try which was not kicked from out wide. Bredon managed to convert a penalty opportunity into points with a penalty kick to 5m out, and from the lineout were able to maul over the line and Will Graulich dropped down with the ball to score. In the second half, Wolverhampton were again pressing hard, and concerted defence kept them at bay, until they were a to break through and score an unconverted try. Bredon pressed back though, but wave after wave was repelled. Finally a Ross Attwood kick through was not gathered by the full back, and Attwood kicked on again over the line, and he was able to grab the touch down. Joe Freeman added the extras. Bredon pressed on until the dying minutes, but could not force another score. A but like last week - on another day, they could have won. But it was a real team performance with everyone giving 100%, all the way through. Final score: Bredon 15 - Wolverhampton 17 Penalties: Freeman 1 Tries: Graulich, Attwood Conversions: Freeman Bredon cruise into the Plate Final U14 U14 : vs Old Halesonians (H) Bredon 31 - 0 Old Halesonians Sun 21-Mar-2010   Bredon cruise into the Plate Final Bredon made heavy going of the first 10 minutes with plenty of unforced errors, eventually a penalty from Joe Carolan calmed the nerves and Bredon settled down, shortly after this sustained pressure from the forwards and backs led to the opening try for Elliot Cook Converted by Carolan. From this point Bredon dominated territory and possession leading to 2 try`s in quick succession for Joe Sztymiak both converted by Carolan. Old Halesonians came out in the second half with a bit more grit and determination and managed to hold off repeated Bredon attacks, but eventually just before full time fine handling from Bredon put Sztymiak in for his hat-trick converted by Carolan. Final score Bredon Under 14`s 31 – Old Halesonians 0 Man of the Match Joe Sztymiak Bredon exit cup despite tremendous efforts U17 U17 : vs Syston RFC (H) Bredon 8 - 23 Syston RFC Sun 14-Mar-2010   Report 1 - TD Bredon’s outstanding performance this season saw them exiting at last 16 stage of under 17 national cup.The furthest the club has ever reached and a truly outstanding effort for a village club whose seniors play in Div 6 to reach the top 16 nationally. Syston played with the wind and opened up an early 9-3 advantage before a series of Bredon drives were stopped just short of the line. A break out by the big Syston centre saw him run 60 metres for a fine individual effort converted with a superb touchline conversation. Bredon regrouped and battered the Syston line for a sustained spell prior to half time, spurning kickable penalties in search of a try. The ball was recycled numerous times but each time the Syston rearguard held up only inches from their try line. Trailing 16-3 at half time but with the wind now at their backs Bredon dominated the second half territorially and were rewarded 10 minutes in when a catch and drive from a line out 10 yards out was swept over the Syston line with No 8 Ben Lees touching down. The conversion failed, which meant two scores were still needed. A series of cynical offences resulted in a sin bin reducing Syston to 14 men and it seemed only a matter of time before Bredon would cross the line but some crucial line out steals and stout defence repelled Bredon’s efforts. With time running out Bredon’s attacks became more desperate and with the final play of the game Syston’s winger stepped in to intercept a pass on his own 22 and run in for a final converted try that gave the visitors a flattering margin of 23-8 but a thouroughly deserved victory built on outstanding defence and the failure of the home side to take their opportunities. Syston will now meet Bedford Blues in the last 8. Report 2 - JH In the last 16 game of the Nationals, Bredon entertained Syston from Leicester. A large crowd had gathered to watch this keenly contested match. Syston played with the wind in the first half and were able to keep Bredon under some pressure using the wind to maintain a territorial advantage. Bredon had their chances but opportunities tantalising failed to go to hand. Up to 5 minutes before half-time the Bredon defence held firm with the only scores being 2 penalties and a drop kick to Syston and a penalty to Bredon. However Syston then broke through to score a converted try. Bredon were then inches short of replying, getting the ball over the line on three occasions but being held up each time. So 16-3 down at the start of the second half, Bredon were then able to exert pressure of their own. They scored an unconverted try by Lees with 20 minutes to play. They then subjected the Syston line to immense pressure. Syston conceded several penalties including a yellow card. Bredon turned down the kicks for goal in the quest for a second try. This was not to be. In the final play of the game, with Bredon trying to force a break through, they conceded an interception try and conversion. Final score 23-8 to Syston. On the day Syston deserved the win, but on another day Bredon could have won. A fine morning and a fine WIN for Bredon U14 U14 : vs Droitwich (H) Bredon 21 - 7 Droitwich Sun 14-Mar-2010   Another fine team performance by the Buzzards, Bredon dominated the first half and should have scored on several occasions, the advantage being lost by minor errors. Eventually the pressure led to quick tries just before half time for Tim Pearce-May and Joe Sztymiak (both converted by Joe Carolan). The second half saw Droitwich come out a lot more determined, and although most of the possession was by Bredon it wasn't until 5 minutes to go that Bredon put several phases together allowing Joe Carolan to score and convert his try. Once again Bredon just eased off a bit too early allowing Droitwich to score a late consolation try (converted). Final score Bredon 21 – Droitwich 7 Man of the Match Toby Dickens Lessons to learn from tough game? U13 U13 : vs Cirencester (A) Cirencester 32 - 5 Bredon Sun 14-Mar-2010   Bredon travelled to Cirencester today, for what was always going to be a tough encounter. And so it proved, with the home team able to run in six tries to the visitors' one, showing just how important it is to make those first tackles count. Fair play to our boys, despite some of the decisions not going their way and the steady flow of points being notched up against them they did not give up, and fought on to the final whistle. In the end Cirencester deserved their win, making good use of some strong fast runners to break the defensive line and showing that its not all about one player making a game. The Bredon pack fared reasonably well against their larger opponents, with scrums going more or less with the head but at times both sides showed they were able to push their opposition off the ball. Lineouts too were well contested, although the breezy conditions did make it difficult to achieve a decent throw-in. Rucks and mauls were scrappy though, with a lot of shoving back and forth, at times even kicking the ball away in an effort to make ground. The backs worked the ball well enough when the chance came, but sadly these chances were few and far between. So its back to the training ground next week, hopefully with some key lessons learnt from this game, before four straight weeks of matches to the end of the season. Bredon lose in close encounter U14 U14 : vs Silhillians (H) Bredon 0 - Silhillians 6 Sun 28-Feb-2010   An excellent game of rugby decided by two first penalties converted by Silhillians and two missed by Bredon. Bredon win again though hard-pressed at times U13 U13 : vs Silhillians (H) Bredon 29 - 5 Silhillians Sun 28-Feb-2010   Bredon today played host to Silhillians in another tough encounter, with Bredon making the most of the slippery conditions to come away winners after running in five tries. The first score came just three minutes into the game, starting when full-back Tim Orchard lofted a great kick deep inside the opposition half and then made good use of his speed to reach and wrap up the receiver. A turnover was forced, giving Bredon a 5m scrum, from which No.8 Morgan Bottrill picked up and ran in near the corner. Minutes later it looked as if the visitors would return the complement, but in the end some fierce defensive work caused them to spill the ball just as they crossed the line. From the ensuing scrum Bredon were able - despite continued pressure from Sils - to kick themselves clear. The second try for Bredon was scored by Botrill again, after a strong run by Tom Waller drove Bredon deep inside the opponents half. The conversion attempt by Tim Fenney from just inside the touchline came agonisingly close but just came back off the upright. The first half thus finished with the scoreline at 10-0. The second half opened in much the same way as the first, with a lot of hard knocks on both sides with neither team prepared to give any ground without a scrap. In the end it was Bredon who managed to drive harder and further, and maybe blitz a bit quicker, allowing them to come within inches of crossing for a third try only to be brought up short. Sils were judged to have infringed though, giving Bredon a penalty just 5m out. This time it was Matt Peters turn to collect the resulting ball and charge over for try number three, which was then converted by fly-half Fenney from a good distance out. Try four came soon after, following sustained Bredon pressure and three 5m scrums, Fenney showing some tidy steps to break through on the blind side then pass to Dominic Trowbridge on the wing for a clear run into the corner. Fenney then converted. Fenney figured again in the next scoring move, this time receiving the ball from a solidly-held Bredon scrum around 10m out and breaking through several tackles to score himself. The conversion attempt by Paddy Milton was again denied by the woodwork, but with the scoreline now at 29-0 Bredon were looking ahead to another clean sheet. However, the visitors had other ideas, and another strong run by the Silhillians fly-half took the visitors right into the Bredon corner, from which they were able to scramble a consolation try. All in all a good match in soggy conditions (although the forecast downpours had thankfully held off) with some solid scrimmaging and reasonable use of short passes and decent kicking. Bredon progress in National Cup U17 U17 : vs Old Coventrians (A) Old Coventrians 7 - 17 Bredon Sun 28-Feb-2010   Bredon travelled to Coventry to play Old Coventrians in the first round of the National U17s Cup - not a side we had played before, so somewhat unknown, but as winners of the Warwickshire league, a tough encounter was expected. Bredon started off nervously in the first half, with Old Covs initially having the majority of territory and possession, but Bredon started to find their feet, and were pressing to score 5m out, but the ball was spilled and snatched up by the OC's speedy winger, who sprinted the length of the pitch to score a converted try under the posts. Much of the rest of the half was spent between the two 10m lines, though, without either side looking likely to score. In the second half, Bredon started with much more resolve, and taking the game to the opposition, soon found themselves pressing for the line. Bredon's first try came from control from the forwards, who were able to release the ball to the centers, and finally for winger Dave Andrews to score. Bredon now seemed to have good control of the game with their forwards on top. Following an OC's infringement, a penalty kick at goal was expected, but a kick to the corner was called instead, and Bredon took the ball in at the lineout, and mauled over the line for prop James Peake to score. Bredon's third try came from another maul to the line with No. 8 Ben Lees touching down. Joe Freeman added the conversion this time. Bredon now felt comfortably ahead, and played a more free flowing game, holding onto possession and territory for the remainder, to close out the game winners 17-7. It was probably Bredon's hardest game of the season so far, and they had to dig deep. And full credit to Old Covs who played the game with great spirit and kept their head up to the end. Final Score: Old Coventrians U17s 7 - Bredon Buzzards U17s 17 Tries: Andrews, Peake, Lees Conversions: Freeman Hardest match of the season so far? U13 U13 : vs Droitwich (H) Bredon 20 - 15 Droitwich Sun 14-Feb-2010   By all accounts a tough encounter, but Bredon managed by some thrilling individual and team efforts to come out winners by three tries, one conversion and one drop-goal to three tries. National Cup Beckons After Third Win Away U17 U17 : vs Droitwich (A) Droitwich 0 - 34 Bredon Sun 07-Feb-2010   Bredon Buzzards U17s vs. Droitwich U17sA National Cup Beckons After Third Win Away Bredon were on their travels again this weekend, but this time a short trip up the M5 to Droitwich. Bredon narrowly won at home in the last encounter this season, so a close encounter was expected, but Bredon pretty much wrapped the game up in the first half with a powerful performance playing down the hill. Ross Attwood was first on the scoreboard, after a midfield spill saw Bredon capitalise on the mistake. Joe Freeman added the extras. Bredon's seccond try came from a lineout. The forwards gathered the ball, and mauled to draw in the defence, once released, fly half Scott Bunch made a neat kick into space over the defending backs, which Joe Freeman ran onto, collected the ball and ran on to score under the posts. And he converted too. Bredon continued to dominate territory and posession and were rewarded by a penalty infringement that again Freeman converted. A further penalty lead to a lineout 5m out, that the forwards mauled over the line for Ben Lees to touchdown. Just before half time, after a penetrating run down the wing the ball was slowed up short of the line, but scrum half Ed Davies was able to pick up from the ruck and burrowed through to score, again Freeman converted. So at 29-0 up, Bredon looked to be in complete control, with the win assured. However, in the second half Droitwich had other things on their mind. With the hill advantage, they took control of much of the territory and possesion, but Bredon's defence held as tight as a drum, and thwarted the opposition at their every opportunity. In fact the only score in the second half, came from a scrum in the Droitwich 22 which was picked up at 8, passed out to 9. and then back to flanker Simon Harkness who raced to the line to touch down. So, a really good first half performance, but perhaps sitting on their laurels in the second half, letting Droitwich back into the game, when a more clinical approach would have seen the game end early. A high penalty count again too - need to improve the discipline. But with three wins out of three in the weather disrupted league, Bredon's position should be an assured first or second place, and so progression to the National U17s Cup beckons, which sees the top 32 U17s sides in the country pitted against each other in the knock-out competition Final Score: Droitwich U17s 0 - Bredon Buzzards U17s 34 Tries: Attwood, Freeman, Lees, Davies, Harkness Conversions: Freeman (3) Penalties: Freeman Super win for a dominant Bredon U14 U14 : vs Kidderminster (H) Plate Quarter final win 21-7 Sun 07-Feb-2010   After another shaky start Bredon Dominated the game in all phases of play, against a very physical Kidderminster team. The first try came at about 15 minutes into the game from good forward possession and quick hands and a sweet miss pass from Joe Carolan to wing Elliot Cook to score (Converted by Joe Carolan). The second try came just before half time when Cook chipped through the Kidderminster defence to score his second try (Converted by Carolan). The second half saw Kidderminster regroup, but Bredon were still to strong in all areas with Will Dovey scoring the third following a mazy run and then being driven over the line by the pack (Converted by Carolan). Bredon held firm for the rest of the second half until a succession of penalties lead to a try from Kidderminster in the last play of the game (Converted). This win means Bredon qualify for the Semi Finals of the NM plate Comprehensive win gets 2010 off to cracking start U13 U13 : vs Worcester (A) Worcester 0 - 70 Bredon Sun 07-Feb-2010   Being the first game since the enforced lengthy break, it was hard to be sure how things would go or which way the game would swing. Head coach Ian Fenney was blunt in his instructions before the game, making it quite clear that he was expecting nothing less than a convincing win. And boy did he get what he asked for! Bredon established their dominance in the first few seconds, as the opening kick-off was received and run back through the Worcester lines to score the first try in under a minute. From that point on there was no looking back, as Bredon continued to make break after break with Worcester seemingly unable to find any way to respond. Twelve tries and five conversions later the final whistle blew with Bredon amassing 70 points and giving none away. The game could have been less one-sided than the scoreline suggests. The Worcester scrum looked solid, line-outs came out pretty much 50-50, and there were the usual wrestling matches in the mauls, but Bredon's continual blitz defence gave Worcester little room for manoeuvre. Even when ball was won, Worcester seemed unable to gain ground and certainly were allowed no opportunity to score. Bredon's pack scrapped for every loose ball, and the backs rang the changes with ball in hand, switching from blind to open side to gain ground and making occasional good use of the boot. In the end the presence of eight names on the score sheet is a testament to how well the whole team performed. Tries: Morgan Bottrill (4), Matt Manns, Dominic Trowbridge, Tom Waller (2), Paddy Milton (2), Matt Hopper, Matt Peters. Conversions: Tim Fenney (4), Matt Hopper. 1st Round Plate Win for Bredon against Whitchurch U14 U14 : vs Whitchurch (A) Whitchurch 10 - 20 Bredon Sun 24-Jan-2010   After the disappointment of the North Midlands Cup defeat earlier in the season to Hereford, Bredon Travelled to Whitchurch in Shropshire for their 1st round plate match. Bredon`s lack of matches over the festive season certainly looked evident with a poor start and sloppy defending letting Whitchurch score from a backs move in the Right Corner (not converted). In fact Bredon then spent the next 15 minutes defending against intense pressure from the Whitchurch forwards who man for man totally out powered Bredon. Eventually Bredon managed to put some phases of play together with some fine work in the tight, leading to a succession of penalties the last of which just before half time was in the range of Joe Carolan (Half time Bredon 3 Whitchurch 5) The start of the second half saw Bredon continue as they had ended the first half with Ben Vincent feeding a fine ball for Elliot Cook to finish in the Left Corner (not converted). Constant pressure from Bredon led to some niggle from the Whitchurch pack resulting in there Number 8 being Sin Binned for consistent infringements, Bredon then really turned the screw to pressurise the opposition. Again excellent work from the forwards set up Joe Sztymiak who powered through for a well deserved try (not converted), Bredon`s next try came from Ed Rowley (Number 8) picking up from the base of the scrum and then feeding from the contact to a well timed run from Tim Pearce-May to score under the posts (converted by Joe Carolan). Bredon then relaxed a little and let Whitchurch back into the game leading to a try with only moments to go in the Right Corner (not converted). An excellent SQUAD performance thank you to all the lads Final score Bredon 20 – Whitchurch 10 Comfortable League 1 win away U17 U17 : vs Shrewsbury (A) Shrewsbury 7 - 38 Bredon Sun 24-Jan-2010   With snow causing havoc in the fixture schedule, this was Bredon's first match in six weeks, with a bare amount of training in between. Bit traveling up to Shrewsbury, the conditions were perfect for the match. Bredon got stuck into their task early in the first half, dominating possession and territory. From a Shrewsbury lineout 10m out, Struan Potter playing at lock today, pounced on a loose ball, and headed towards the line, and the four defenders could not stop his touch-down. Joe Freeman added the extras from wide-out. Bredon were dominating in the forwards, and it was no surprise when Bredon's second try came from a lineout 7m out, caught and mauled over the line, with Number 8 Ben Lees touching down. Lees added a second try a few minutes later, this time from a spilled Shrewsbury lineout, and Freeman slotted the conversion. With Matt Launder in the sin-bin, Bredon came under some pressure from Shrewsbuiry, but Bredon weathered the period out to go to half time 19-0 in front. Dominating the game, Bredon tried to play a more expansive game in the second half, and were soon rewarded with a try out wide to winger Dave Andrews. Shrewsbury came back with a period of concerted pressure, and with a number of penalties conceeded, Bredon could not keep them out for a converted try. But Bredon bounced back and were soon rewarded with a try to scrum half Ed Davies, which Freeman converted. Late on another good move in the backs released replacement winger Chris Saxby score a try with his first touch of the ball. And Freeman added the extras, to take the final score to be a comfortable 38-7 win. A good all-round performance. Quite a few stupid penalties conceded, though, and discipline will need to be tighter in closer matches in the future. So 2 out of 2 so far in the North Mids League 1. Away to Droitwich next week - lets make it 3 out of 3. Final Score: Shrewsbury U17s 7 - Bredon Buzzards U17s 38 Tries: Potter, Lees (2), Andrews, Davies, Saxbyy Conversions: Freeman (4) Composed performance assures win U17 U17 : vs Camp Hill (A) Camp Hill 9 - 21 Bredon Sun 13-Dec-2009   Bredon travelled to Camp Hill for their first 'super-league' fixture. Bredon looked to have the measure of Camp Hill from the start, and were soon rewarded with a penalty in front of the posts, which Joe Freeman converted. A few minutes later another attack saw Camp Hill go offside, and another easy kick for Freeman. Freeman then topped this off with a try under the posts which he converted. Camp Hill tried to get back into the match, and eventually Bredon conceeded a penalty in their 22 which was easily converted, making the half time score Bredon 13 - Camp Hill 3. Camp Hill continued in the same frame of mind in the second half, and were soon rewarded with another successful penalty kick. But Bredon got back into the oppositions half, and Freeman again kicked the penalty from a Camp Hill infringement. Camp Hill pegged back the score, with another successful penalty kick. But Bredon played back into the Camp Hill half, and from another penalty kicked to near the corner. Some Camp Hill back-chat saw the referee award another penalty to Bredon, which was kicked to 5m out from the corner. Bredon took the throw, and mauled to and over the line, though Camp Hill tried to hold it up, but Bredon would not be stopped, with Matt Deakin dropping down to score the try. Camp Hill tried to get back into the game, but Bredon held on until the final whistle. Camp Hill looked dangerous throughout the game, but could not finish their opportunities, though Bredon's defence was sound and impenetrable. In the end, Bredon played with more composure and took their chances, and came out deserved victors. Final Score: Camp Hill U17s 9 - Bredon Buzzards U17s 21 Tries: Freeman, Deakin Conversions: Freeman Penalties: Freeman (3) Slow start leads to a good victory U14 U14 : vs Cirencester (H) Bredon 31 - 0 Cirencester Sun 13-Dec-2009   Bredon started slowly in the first half and were pretty evenly matched until Harry Dyson scored in the corner from some fine handling (conversion missed). After a stern half time talking the forwards decided to turn up, providing quick ball for the backs enabling winger Elliot Cook to celebrate a fine hatrick of tries and an additional one for Number 8 Ed Rowley, Joe Carolan converting 3 of the tries. Team now 8 wins from 9 after another clean sheet U13 U13 : vs Painswick (A) Painswick 0 - 46 Bredon Sun 13-Dec-2009   Bredon visited Painswick today and came away convincing winners, having dominated virtually the entire game. A fitting way to close off the first half of the season, showing that the lads have built themselves into a formidable team that should now be ready to take on any opposition. The all-round effort put in by every player was typified by a seasons' best effort from second-row Josh Smith, who played his part in the kick-off return by carrying the ball deep into the Painswick half and breaking several tackles in the process. This set up the first score, from a Bredon scrum five metres out which was solidly held, allowing Morgan Bottrill to time his pick-up to perfection and run through two tackles to cross for the try. This was duly converted by Tim Fenney to get Bredon off to a good start. This opening was to prove typical of the Bredon performance for most of the game, with the forward line closing down Painswick quickly enough to prevent them getting any forward momentum, and Bredon players in all positions contesting the ball at every opportunity. Smith looked like he was going to add to the scoreline himself as he thundered for the line with several Painswick players hanging off him, but he crossed the line with just too many bodies in the way to allow him to ground the ball. But at the ensuing scrum Bredon were again solid, and once again Bottrill was able to make good use of his strength to run in try number two. The conversion attempt from close to the right touchline unfortunately just fell short. Try three came from a solid ruck by the forwards on the opponent's 22, driving over to steal the ball and giving Fenney the chance to pick up and go, heading for the line with Dominic Trowbridge in close support. In the end Fenney was able to fight his own way over, then added the conversion to take the score to 17-0. Next, in what is becoming one of his signature moves, Bottrill received the kick-off on his own 22 only to run the ball right back through the Painswick lines to cross for try four, converted by Fenney. Try number five was probably the try of the match. The move was started by second-row Matt Peters once again ripping the ball out of the opponents hands and heading downfield. Jack Tharme was in close attendance to receive the offload once Peters was finally brought to a stop, and headed downfield to gain more yardage. Tom Waller was following in close support and received the offload at good pace to force his way through several tackles and dive into the corner for the (unconverted) try. The next kick-off was not handled well, the knock-on finally giving Painswick something more like an attacking platform. But the Bredon scrum held strong, and the half-time whistle came with the scoreline at 29-0. The second half started as the first half finished, with good work by Russell Slatter at the breakdown helping to secure quick ball and the occasional turnover. It was this kind of quick recycling by scrum-half Danny Barber that allowed Fenney to float a popup pass to Tom Arnold steaming through from the back line at such a speed he was never going to be stopped. Sure enough, over the try line for try six, with the conversion attempt by Fenney only stopped by the woodwork. Minutes later Bottrill again won the ball for Bredon, offloading to Peters who made considerable inroads into Painswick territory before being brought down. But again the support from the rest of the pack was there immediately, Sam Price and Jack Turton clearing away and allowing Barber to pass to Fenney who spotted the opening and floated another high ball towards the left corner. This time Manns on the left wing pocketed a difficult bounce and ran in for the seventh try of the game. Despite the lop-sided scoreline, Painswick were still keen to salvage something from the game, and forced their way to the Bredon 5m before the defence was able to bundle them into touch. Undeterred, Painswick stole the Bredon lineout ball and again drove for the line, only to be held back once again. Bredon scrum-half Barber managed to retrieve the ball and pass to Fenney to kick away, only to have the pass ruled as forwards and give away a 5m scrum. But once more the Bredon defence held solid, and this time Fenney tucked the ball under his arm and run straight over his opposite number to get away. The next move seemed almost inevitable, Bottrill coming up with the ball and running almost the length of the field for the eighth and final try of the game, this time converted by Fenney to take the final scoreline to 46-0. Tries: Bottrill (4), Fenney, Waller, Arnold, Manns Conversions: Fenney (3) Tough match goes right down to the wire U13 U13 : vs Bromsgrove (H) Bredon 3 - 0 Bromsgrove Sun 06-Dec-2009   Bredon played host to Bromsgrove this week, looking to maintain their winning ways. As it turned out, this match was the hardest of the season so far. The Bromsgrove pack were big and strong, giving our forwards some real problems at times. Fortunately the visitors were unable to turn this into points, and the all-round team-work by Bredon triumphed in the end. With less than ten minutes to go the scoreboard was still blank, but Bromsgrove then gave away a penalty some five metres inside the half-way line. Fly-half Tim Fenney elected to go for the points, only to see his strong kick drift away to the right of the posts. Bromsgrove then looked as if they were going to break away to steal the match, only to be brought down by the solid Bredon defence. With barely a minute to go, a Bredon scrum deep in the opponents half held up long enough for the ball to be cleared back to Tim Fenney who made the most of that 'Jonny Wilkinson' moment to put boot to ball and score the drop-goal. A fitting end to a great all-round team effort, taking the season's tally to seven wins from eight matches. Back to winning ways and team performance U14 U14 : vs Bromsgrove (A) Bromsgrove 0 - 38 Bredon Sun 06-Dec-2009   Once again this season a depleted squad travelled to Bromsgrove (16 in total). Bredon won the toss and started with the advantage of the slope and with strong aggressive forward play dominated from the outset, with try’s from Brandon Wain, Elliot Cook (2) Tim Pearce-May (2) and Ed Rowley, Ben Cooke converting 4. A well earned victory for an excellent team performance. Another clean sheet! U13 U13 : vs Longlevens (H) Bredon 29 - 0 Longlevens Sun 22-Nov-2009   Tries: Tim Fenney, Danny Barber, Morgan Bottrill 3 Conversions: Tim Fenney 2 Worcester concede, Bredon top Southern League U17 U17 : vs Worcester (H) Bredon 0 - 0 Worcester Sun 22-Nov-2009   With Worcester cancelling the fixture, Bredon take the 2 points to top the Southern League with a clean sweep. Position Team Played Won Drawn Lost Void / Conceded Points For Points Against League Points 1 Bredon 7 7 0 0 0 162 45 14 Bredon's U17s now go into the North Mids 1st Division League, with fixtures to come against the top finishers in the three leagues; Wolverhampton, Camp Hill, Whitchurch, Shrewsbury, & Droitwich. Hard work in the pack wins out U13 U13 : vs Cheltenham (A) Cheltenham 7 - 19 Bredon Sun 15-Nov-2009   For the first time this season Bredon took their full squad of 20 for the away game versus Cheltenham, and it was excellent that every single player contributed to a fine win for Bredon. Cheltenham had a squad of over 30 players but it was Bredon who started the better playing into a strong wind. Bredon's solid scrummage and lineout together with aggressive defence had Cheltenham under pressure. With ball in hand Bredon looked dangerous with the back row of Tom Waller, Morgan Bottrill and Jack Tharme to the fore. The backs moved the ball well and were unlucky to have a try disallowed. With about 10 minutes of the half remaining Bredon had a scrum on the halfway line and a break by Morgan Bottrill lead to a quick ruck ball which was moved to Tim Fenney who dummied his way over under the posts. With no let-up from Bredon they went into the half-time break 7 - 0 up. Playing with the wind in the second half Bredon took control, and following a chip over the defence and good work by the pack, Matt Peters barrelled his way over for the second try which was again converted.The pressure from Bredon continued through the half and following a penalty 10 metres out taken quickly by Dan Barber, Matt Peters again arrived to receive the off-load and crash over wide out. Cheltenham scored a consolation try late on, but Bredon thoroughly deserved their 19 - 7 victory following such an excellent team performance. Epic battle ends in a narrow defeat U14 U14 : vs Cheltenham (H) Bredon 0 - 11 Cheltenham Sun 15-Nov-2009   Again with several players missing Bredon put in a sterling performance, eventually going down by one try and 2 penalties. U17s continue winning ways U17 U17 : vs Cirencester (A) Cirencester 7 - 31 Bredon Sun 15-Nov-2009   Sunday morning at Cirencester was dry and sunny after the storms of the previous days, and in fact perfect conditions for playing rugby. Cirencester fielded a big side, and Bredon had a number of players out, but stuck into their task. After an initial 10 minutes of Cirencester dominance, Bredon gathered the ball and managed a break-away try with Jack Lampitt finishing it off. Joe Freeman added the conversion. Bredon's second try came quickly afterwards, from a kick to their 22, Cirencester spilled the ball at their lineout, was kicked through, and Lampitt was again on hand to touch down. Freeman missed the conversion from out wide. Bredon's third try of the half came from a lineout 5m out, Bredon gathered the ball into a maul, and rolled over the line for George Swainson to touch down. Freeman added the extras. In the second half, Bredon opened the scoring with another breakaway and breakthrough try to Ben Lees, converted by Freeman. Bredon looked to be tiring though, and Cirencester were finally able to score a break-away converted try. But Bredon got things back together again, and Neil Cully scored the final try of the match. All in all a good performance, good support running, good offloads, variety, and managed the set pieces well. Final Score: Cirencester U17s 7 - Bredon Buzzards U17s 31 Tries: Lampitt (2), Swainson, Lees, Cully Conversions: Freeman (3) Solid home win against a gritty Longlevens U14 U14 : vs Longlevens (H) Bredon 21 - 0 Longlevens Sun 01-Nov-2009   The first half saw the slope and wind against Bredon and a very evenly matched contest, eventually Jake Allen finishing strongly to touch down in the left corner (converted by Carolan). Again the Second half was a very tight contest with Bredon making good use of the conditions, Bredon started to dominate in the later stages with good forward possession, leading to a fine try from the backs Joe Sztymiak scoring under the posts (converted by Carolan). From the restart Bredon`s forwards pressure was excellent, Tom Barter providing fine ball for Charlie Farmer to score in the last phase of play (converted by Carolan) Man of the Match for an all round performance TOM BARTER 5 out of 5 to top league with win at Malvern U17 U17 : vs Malvern (A) Malvern 21 - 44 Bredon Sun 01-Nov-2009   Malvern U17s vs. Bredon Buzzards U17s - North Mids U17s League - South The squally weather abated at the start of the game, with ideal conditions for playing rugby. Bredon opened the scoring with a fine passage of play, leading to a try scored by flanker Simon Harkness. A penalty awarded to Bredon two minutes later from 40m out perhaps should have been kicked to a corner, but Joe Freeman took a pot at goal and kicked it over with ease. Bredon continued to exert pressure, with the forwards in full control. From a scrum 5m out, Bredon kept control and from the resulting ruck on the line hooker Anton Gabb picked the ball up from the back of the ruck and went over to score. Bredon added to the points, with a try to Freeman, which he converted, another to Gabb who capitalised on a lineout spill to score in the corner, and another to Freeman who unusually ended up with the ball in a maul, which was walked over the line, where he dropped down to score - and he converted it too. In the second half Ed Davies opened the scoring with a snipping blindside run from the back of a scrum, scoring in the corner. Bredon stepped off the gas at this point, and let Malvern back into the game, allowing them to score a converted try. Bredon responded, though, with a classic 5m lineout - maul - walkover the line - with Gabb getting his hat-trick. Freeman kicked the tricky conversion from out wide. With a comfortable margin, Bredon relaxed and let Malvern score two more converted tries. Bredon Buzzards U17s now have 5 wins out of 5 to head the league, with one match remaining - home to Worcester on the 22nd November. Final Score: Malvern U17s 21 - Bredon Buzzards U17s 44 Tries: Harkness, Gabb (3), Freeman (2), Davie Conversions: Freeman (3) Penaties: Freeman Team work yields another clean sheet U13 U13 : vs Stow (A) Stow 0 - 15 Bredon Sun 01-Nov-2009   Undeterred by the prospect of travelling to play difficult opposition in blustery conditions, Bredon rose to the challenge and took complete charge of the game right from the outset. Stow had few answers to the questions asked by a determined Bredon pack, only gaining ground by kicking over the top on a couple of occasions and rarely looking likely to score. Bredon for their part made good use of close passing and some intelligent running to come away from the encounter with three tries under their belt, and the satisfaction of a job well done. The first try came from a Bredon scrum on the opponents 5m line after ten minutes of continued pressure. The Stow defensive line was holding up well, resisting attempts by Bredon to break through, but a quick pick-up and charge by Morgan Bottrill at No.8 was too much - there was no way anyone was stopping him! Further good work by the pack provided the basis for the next try, a solid scrum some 20m out giving fly-half Tim Fenney enough space to try a quick chip-and-run. The ball was caught by the Stow centre but too far from his support, leaving him no option but to release the ball as Fenney ripped it clear and ran over for the try. The second half started much as the first had finished, with the backs looking for every opportunity to make use of the space generated by the forwards, and the forwards looking to steal every Stow ball and run it. In the end it was Tom Waller who made the third try as he broke through the Stow defences three times over, the ensuing Stow lineout was then stolen by Jack Tharme and carried over for a try. The game ended with a clean sheet for Bredon once again, a fitting result for a real all-round team effort. Tries: Bottrill, Fenney, Tharme. Visitors shut out as Bredon secure emphatic win U13 U13 : vs Old Pats (H) Bredon 71 - 0 Old Pats Sun 25-Oct-2009   Bredon were able to dominate all aspects of this game as they ran in eleven tries leaving the visitors with nothing to show for it. Although scrums and lineouts were finely balanced, the ability of the Bredon pack to get right in the face of the opposition at every move and some good interaction in the backs left Pats searching for the scraps as Bredon made good use of the space on the 1st team pitch. The first move of the game signalled how the rest of the game was to run, the Bredon kick-off was stolen back by Tim Fenney, the ball moved well through the hands, leading to Matt Manns on the wing and Danny Barber at scrum-half linking up to release Morgan Bottrill to run in for the first of his five tries. This was followed by some strong work from the pack leading to Bottrill's second try, then Barber broke away on the blind side from a scrum almost on halfway to take the score to 21-0, then Bottrill scored again by running the next Pats kick-off right back through the despairing defense. Fenney made good use of the wind direction to convert all four tries. With ten minutes still to go in the first half and the score already 28-0, Bredon continued to pile on the pressure. A poor clearance from a scrum inside the Pats 22 allowed the back line to work the ball cross-field from left to right, Barber and Russell Slatter being held back just yards short. Quick recycling allowed the backs to work the ball back inside, leaving the defence trying to cover a three-man overlap and instead simply leaving a gap for Fenney to stroll in for a try under the posts. Moments later the score increased from 35 to 42 as Tom Waller returned the kick-off from his own 22 and Fenney added the conversion. In the last minute before half-time, more good work from the forwards and some good running led to a characteristic burst-through by Jack Tharme, with more quick ball through the phases leading to Manns feeding Bottrill to score a try, converted by Fenney to finish the half at 49-0. After the half-time break, the visitors returned with renewed vigour and seemed determined to come away with something from the encounter. Two successive attempts by Bredon to force tries by brute strength were held back, but it was only a matter of time and sure enough quick ball released Tom Waller who ran in try number eight for Bredon. More good work by Matt Peters and Jack Mattock in the pack took the ball right back at them, then Barber showed his characteristic speed and agility to run in try nine. With ten minutes to go it seemed that Old Pats would get some small compensation for their hard work, as they were awarded a penalty on the Bredon 22 for another offside infringement. But it was not to be, as the crucial pass was lost forward just yards from the line. To add insult to injury, the resulting clearance from Fenney was stolen back by Bottrill and run in for a try. Paddy Milton added the last try in the last minute to finish off a comprehensive all-round performance by Bredon. The whole team worked hard and worked well together, and will now be looking forward to their visit to Stow next week. Tries: Bottrill (5), Fenney, Barber (2), Waller (2), Milton Conversions: Fenney (8) Depleted Under 14`s come through tough test U14 U14 : vs Old Pats (A) Old Pats 5 - 17 Bredon Sun 25-Oct-2009   Tough contest sees once again the depleted Buzzards 14`s squad come through with a well earned win. The first half saw Bredon with the slope and wind to their advantage, the early loss of Captain and open side Vincent to spilt eye in the 1st minute was not the best start and Bredon struggled to take advantage initially. Eventually some strong forward pressure opened some space for wing Cook to score in the corner (not converted), but Old PATS replied within minutes (unconverted) after some uncharacteristically poor defending from the Buzzards. Bredon then sustained several more minutes of intense pressure from Old PATS, with some very fierce defence leading to a turnover and another try for Cook (converted by Dovey). The second half saw a much stronger all round performance from the Buzzards, Old PATS defended well, but eventually the pressure was too much and Pearce-May score in the L/H corner (not converted), Bredon and Old PATS both sustained further injuries, Sztymiak leaving the field following an immense defensive effort to sprained hand. No further scores in the second half saw the buzzards coming away with a good 17 to 5 win. U17s dominate in friendly fixture U17 U17 : vs Alcester (A) Alcester 0 - 51 Bredon Sun 25-Oct-2009   In a rather one-sided 1st half, Bredon stacked up the points. Shipping the ball out wide in attack, winger Henry Prudden went over for the first two tries one converted by Ross Attwood. Full back Paul Merchant added to the scoreline, before a penatly kick to the corner saw lock Jon Green pick the ball at the lineout, and then the resulting maul swiftly progressed over the line, where Green dropped and touched down. Centre Louis Wones added to the score, and Merchant added to his tally for the day. Both converted by Attwood. Green added the last score before halftime, with Bredon comfortably 41-0 up. Alcester provided some stiffer opposition at the start of the second half, and threatened the Bredon line on many occassions but Bredon's defence held firm, and soon regained the upper hand with tries by flankers Simon Harkness and Jack Lampitt. With the score exceeding a 50 point difference the ref blew up to end the game early with 15 minutes to go. Final Score: Alcester 0 - Bredon Buzzards U17s 51 Tries: Prudden (2), Merchant (2), Green (2), Wones, Harkness, Lampitt Conversions: Attwood (3) Solid win for a depleted Buzzards squad U14 U14 : vs Cinderford (H) Bredon 24 - 5 Cinderford Sun 18-Oct-2009   A solid win for a depleted Buzzards squad with injuries and players out with the Gloucester development squad. Today was a fair result for hard earned win, early pressure from Bredon was squandered with some sloppy handling, but eventually Tim Pearce-May broke from a ruck to score in the corner (not converted). Poor defence then lead to Cinderford scoring from a strong forward drive just before half time (not converted). The second half saw a much improved team performance from Bredon with the forwards setting up a good platform for the backs, eventually leading to tries for Ben West (2) and Ben Cooke (1), Will Dovey converting 2 of these. Under-strength squad see initial lead slip away U13 U13 : vs Banbury (A) Banbury 40 - 29 Bredon Sun 18-Oct-2009   Today's visit to Banbury for our first ever fixture against this club was always going to be a struggle for our lads, particularly as only 13 were able to make the trip. As head coach Ian Fenney said after the game, "Great effort today by the lads who were there. Excellent when we had the ball, not as good when they had it!" Everything started well, in the opening moments of the first period Banbury were quickly on the back foot as Tim Fenney broke through to open the scoring for Bredon, and from here on the pressure from Bredon was relentless for the next 20 minutes, the ball only really straying into the Bredon half from kick-offs. From a scrum around 10 metres out, the ball was picked up by Tom Waller playing at No. 8 and run round the pack to cross the try line in the corner. The conversion attempt by Fenney from a difficult angle almost came off. Fly-half Fenney was again involved in the next move, working a quick one-two with winger Matt Manns to then break three tackles and run in his second try of the game which he also converted. Manns followed this with a classic winger's try, taking the ball from over 20m out and out-running the despairing defensive line to cross the line in the left corner. The backs worked well again just minutes later with Manns picking up a loose ball just over halfway and breaking several tackles before off-loading to Daniel Burke at centre who gained further ground before releasing the ball for Fenney to cross for his third try, plus the conversion to take the score to 29-0. After a short interval during which Banbury swapped most of their back line, the home team took to the field and took the game right back to the visitors. After some scrappy work in midfield, Banbury fed the ball along their line to their high-speed winger who ran in first one try, then a second with an almost identical move. With a third try after picking up a lucky bounce, Banbury were back in the hunt. After a period of tight play with the Bredon forwards doing their best to scrap for every loose ball, Banbury again broke through to bring the scoreline to 29-28, just one point in Bredon's favour. Perhaps the legs were by now getting tired, but from here the end seemed almost inevitable. A couple of penalties for offside, some crucial tackles missed and loose ball not won, and Banbury were able to cross twice more to take the match. Tries: Fenney (3), Manns Conversions: Fenney (2) Another win for rampant 17s U17 U17 : vs Ledbury (A) Ledbury 11 - 32 Bredon Sun 11-Oct-2009   Down to a bare bones 18 players, but Bredon were still up for the encounter. Scrum-half Ed Davies opened try scoring after a forward drive. Center Harry Carr cut through on a planned move for the second. Matt Deakin popped up in backs after phase play for the third of the half, and Carr got his second just before half time. Joe Freeman was not his normal self with the boot converting only one. Ledbury replied with a penalty. A binning just on half time and Ledbury pressure against 14 men resulted in another penalty to them but Bredon picked up with a second try to Davies, and Simon Harkness went over for Bredon's sixth try. Ledbury stuck at it and scored on the final whistle an unconverted try. Final Score: Ledbury U17s 11 - Bredon Buzzards U17s 32 Tries Davies (2), Carr (2), Deakin, Harkness Conversions: Freeman Close-fought contest goes against us U14 U14 : vs Hereford (A) Hereford 3 - 0 Bredon Sun 11-Oct-2009   Very close match with very little between each team, nil all at half time, Hereford just sneaking it with a penalty 10 minutes from time. A disappointing result, shame that 2 of the better teams in the Cup had to meet in the preliminary round. Clean sheet for Bredon despite reduced squad U14 U14 : vs Evesham (A) Evesham 0 - 52 Bredon Sun 04-Oct-2009   Short on squad numbers today with 4 players with Gloucester development and a couple of injuries, but the team put in a clinical performance to dispatch Evesham with 5 tries from Ben West and 1 each for Simon Cox, Joe Higgins and Dan McGuigan. Will Dovey converting 6 of the tries and a man of the match performance. Runaway victory as Bredon romp home U17 U17 : vs Kidderminster (H) Bredon 54 - 0 Kidderminster Sun 04-Oct-2009   Launder scoring one of his two tries Following on from a narrow win against Hereford the previous weekend, and with a number of players out due to injury, illness and representative rugby, Bredon were still able to field a strong side against Kidderminster. Bredon dominated possession and territory throughout the game, taking the game to Kidderminster at every opportunity. However it was 10 minutes before the first points were on the board with a try to Matt Launder, converted by Joe Freeman. Tries came in thick, with Paul Merchant, Simon Harkness, Ben Lees and Joe Freeman all crossing to join in the whitewash in the first half. Freeman converted all of these. The second half was much the same as the first, with tries to Cully, and second tries to Freeman and Launder, Freeman only missing one conversion out of the eight tries scored. Kidderminster manfully kept going, but were not able to retain sufficient possession to look like scoring. And for an extended period before Launder's final try defended with grit and determination. However, the final try signalled the end of the game with a 50 point difference between the sides. Tries: Launder (2), Merchant, Harkness, Lees, Freeman (2), Cully Conversions: Freeman (7) Another good team effort secures the win U13 U13 : vs Evesham (H) Bredon 34 - 7 Evesham Sun 04-Oct-2009   Bredon were looking to capitalise on the momentum from last week's emphatic win over Hucclecote, and took the initiative right from the start. The first score came from a break-away run by fly-half Tim Fenney after only four minutes, leaving the defence to face a three-man overlap as Tim off-loaded to Tom Waller who scored in the corner (5-0). A few minutes later another break by Fenney was held up by dogged Evesham defence and had to be brought back for a 5-metre scrum. Evesham were strong in the scrum and won the ball, but this was quickly turned over and full-back Tim Orchard made the first of several quick runs only to again meet the Evesham defensive line. The attack broke down as the ball was spilled but pressure from Bredon forced Evesham to touch down in their own in-goal to give Bredon the 5-metre scrum. Unfortunately Bredon were again unable to capitalise on their good field position and Evesham were able to clear their lines. Relief for Evesham was short-lived though, as Waller worked hard to bring the ball right back at them, before the ball was released to Fenney who aimed a long kick into the corner where the bounce fell just right for Dominic Trowbridge on the wing to score a try (10-0). After a good deal of to-and-fro work by the forwards the half closed without adding to the points. After the break, Bredon picked up where they had left off and pressured Evesham into giving away a penalty just outside their 5-metre line. A quick 1-2 allowed scrum-half Danny Barber to loop towards the corner, linking up with winger Will Broome who was brought up just short of the line. This time the ball was not tied up by the forwards but released quickly enough to allow Barber to run in Bredon's third try of the match which Fenney converted to take the scoreline to 17-0. Soon after full-back Orchard again broke through the Evesham lines, this time close enough to allow Fenney to run in a try under the posts which he quickly converted (24-0). Evesham were not about to give up though, and their sustained efforts over the next few minutes took them over the try line but Bredon managed to hold the ball up. However, Evesham's pack again won the ball at the scrum which was run in for a try and conversion (24-7). For a while it looked like Evesham were going to pick up the pace, but another infringement deep in the Evesham half caught their defence on the wrong foot, leaving space for Fenney to drop another long cross-field kick into the far left corner where a two-on-one allowed Matt Hopper to touch down. Unfortunately Tim's boot again had the distance but not the angle as another conversion attempt went slightly adrift (29-7). As if that wasn't enough, in the closing minutes Orchard calmly collected a poor clearance kick to run in another try to close the game off at 34-7. Tries: Waller, Trowbridge, Barber, Fenney, Hopper, Orchard. Conversions: Fenney (2) Shakey start but Bredon triumph in opening game U14 U14 : vs Painswick (A) Painswick 0 - 17 Bredon Sun 27-Sep-2009   Good to get the first game under the belt, bit of a rusty start, with a few too many handling errors. First half try from Will Dovey (not converted). Second half was a much more solid performance with tries from Joe Sztymiak (not converted) and Will Kitching (converted by Joe Carolan). Emphatic win in first game of the season U13 U13 : vs Hucclecote (A) Hucclecote 5 - 35 Bredon Sun 27-Sep-2009   Bredon Under-13 team got their season off to a flying start with an emphatic win over Hucclecote at King George 5th ground, with great commitment from all 16 players on show. Tries: Morgan Bottrill 3, Danny Barber 1, Tim Fenney 1. Conversions: Tim Fenney 5. Another success for U17 team U17 U17 : vs Hereford (A) Hereford 5 - 16 Bredon Sun 27-Sep-2009   This league fixture against Hereford was eagerly awaited, as the fixture is always one of the highlights of the season. Bredon got on the board early into the first half, with a penalty kick by fly-half Joe Freeman. Handling errors were a problem for both sides with neither being able to take advantage. Hereford pressed an attack, and swinging the ball out wide were able to go over for a try in the corner. Bredon came back strongly, though, but were unable to capitalise on a good period of possession and territory. At half time the score card was Hereford 5 - Bredon 3. Bredon stuck into the task in the second half, and were soon rewarded with a penalty in Freeman's range, who netted the points. Bredon looked to have got over their earlier nervous passing, and put together some excellent phases of play, which were rewarded with a try in the corner to fullback Liam Wilson, and another later to Ed Davies. Hereford tried to rally back, but with time running out, and Bredon's defence holding firm, they were unable to score in the second half. Final Score: Hereford U17s 5 - Bredon Buzzards U17s 16 Tries: Wilson, Davies Penalties: Freeman (2) First-round league win for Bredon U17 U17 : vs Droitwich (H) Bredon 16 - 8 Droitwich Sun 13-Sep-2009   Bredon entertained Droitwich in the first round of the North Mids U17s Southern League. Bredon started slowly, but were able to contain Droitwich, Bredon's first foray towards the Droitwich line resulted in a penalty being conceeded, and Joe Freeman slotted the conversion. Droitwich came back strongly, though, with much possession coming back on their side. A ripped ball opened a gap in the Bredon defence, which Droitwich took advantage of, with a kick ahead, and drop onto the ball for a try. Bredon came back towards the end of the half, and capitalised on another penalty, with Freeman kicking the points again. Half time score Bredon 6, Droitwich 5. Bredon continued to look nervous in the second half, and conceded a penalty in the 22 which Droitwich converted to give them the lead. Bredon came back and pressured the Droitwich defence, and finally were able to break through, with Ross Attwood touching down, and Freeman adding the extras. A final penalty kick by Freeman sealed the win. Tries: Attwood Conversions: Freeman Penalties: Freeman (3) Win for Bredon in second pre-season friendly U17 U17 : vs Cheltenham (A) Cheltenham 12 - 26 Bredon Sun 06-Sep-2009   Tries: Carr (3), Davies Conversions: Attwood (3) Opening pre-season friendly goes against Bredon U17 U17 : vs Matson (H) Bredon 3 - 12 Matson Wed 02-Sep-2009   Penalties: Freeman