Under 17's
07/10/12 GRFC U17 22 v 32 Park House
Gravesend points scored by - Sommersett- 7, Armitage-5, Grobler-5, Moore-5
A close game with the teams evenly matched.
This was the first time we had met Park House and it was an entertaining game, the only blemish to the game was to a serious injury to a PH player. We wish him well and hope he recovers quickly.
GRFC were quite rusty as this was our first game of the season which showed in the first half ending 15 to 7.
Second half was much better which ended up 17 to 15.
Lots of positives to come out of the game but also lots to work on.
Congratulations to Victor Kopylova who had his first competitive game for a year following a nasty leg break..
Final score 32 to 22 to PH. We look forward to the return fixture,
Team : B Kelly ( C) A Allen, J Armitage, J Fagan, J Gardiner, H Gillham, K Grobler, R Hamilton, D Holder, O Kember, V Kopylova, T McCarthy, P Mitchell, T Moore, M Riley, J Sommersett & C Walker.
21/10/12 GRFC U17 7 v 0 Thanet
Gravesend points scored by - Armitage 5, Kelly 2
On a brilliant day for rugby a tight fought contest ensued, with neither team really able to put many phases together, slippery conditions dictated a forwards close quarter game. It is fair to say that both defences were playing well and when ball was given to the backs, good cover defence made sure no score was the outcome.
Finally thirty minutes into the first half a drive of many phases had the Gravesend pack close to the tryline. Josh Armitage was delivered the ball in the fringes which saw him pulled up short on the first attempt, but being the strong lad that he is, he spun and with support barrelled over for a try under the posts. The Kick was duly converted by Kelly.
The second half was similar to the first with both sides finding it difficult to play expansive rugby as the banana pitch started to cut up.
On balance a fair result with Gravesend having more of the attacking play.
A note to all, referees have zero tolerance with bad language this season, this game had 9 yellow cards which at one point left Thanet with no props. The incidents were more out of frustration and not aimed at either the referee or opposition players but all players should be mindful of this new ruling.
A brilliant result for the lads given the narrow defeat last time out and an injury to James Summerset who played for Anchorians Saturday and damaged his shoulder. Well done Brendan Kelly and the backs who shuffled positions around on the day.
Lastly. Both teams observed a minutes silence prior to the game following a death of one of the Thanet coaches who passed away on the pitch on Saturday. Our thoughts are with all those concerned.
