Rugby

Rugby V Skippers Hill
2nd Won 70-15 (GdM)
U11 Won 60-40 (CS)

A brilliant afternoon of rugby in blustery conditions!

Having drawn with Skipper's Hill earlier in the season, it was felt that a strong performance from the team could yield a win, even without Daniel who has been a key ball carrier for us this season.
But of course, when one door shuts another one opens but more on that anon...

As a welcome break from the norm, we made a fast start to the match and were 15-0 up within the first ten minutes. However, Skippers managed to claw their way back courtesy of two tries from a very speedy wing and one from a powerful forward. This was hugely frustrating as all three tries came as the result of very feeble attempted tackling form us.

Clearly it was a day for attack rather than defence as the tries flowed in both directions, each team being equally porous.

At half time, Ashdown had the slenderest of leads but Skippers were quick to level the scores and, for the first time in the match, edge ahead. At this point, I would like to publicly recognise the spirit of this little team. We have had an extremely tough season but at no point have the boys let results get the better of them. They have constantly worked on improving their game and been very positive. However, despite their highly commendable collective attitude, I had thought that squandering a healthy lead might break their spirit. I could not have been more wrong and am sorry I ever had a moment's doubt.

The Ashdown boys came roaring back into the match, scoring some breathtaking team tries courtesy of excellent rucking to secure possession, followed by fast hands and fast feet. Miles was lethal in attack as always but special mention must go to Jeffry. Jeffry has very much been learning the game this season and as such has perhaps been slightly on the periphery. Today, when his team most needed him, he stepped up and scored two fantastic tries which really lifted the team and the crowd. Thus galvanised, the boys ran out comfortable victors, each man playing his part in a fine victory.

U10 Won 40-10 (TG)

The under 10s took on Skipper's Hill for the second time this season. We were keen to see how much we had improved after beating them earlier in the season. The boys have definitely showed some amazing progress and we dominated from start to finish, the boys showing great support lines and commitment to the team. Aiden popping up to score his second try in as many games. Nemo also managed to swerve his way through for a couple. It has been a pleasure to coach these boys and watch their progress. we look forward to welcoming The Mead next Wednesday to finish off what has been a superb season!

1st Rugby Brambletye 7’s
Plate Winners

The senior rugby squad played in the Brambletye Sevens tournament this afternoon. We drew with Windlesham and were narrowly beaten by a strong Handcross Park team. This put us into the plate competition in which we played superbly, beating Brighton College Prep and Cumnor House convincingly. We ended up winning the plate competition. All the boys deserve huge praise for their effort and 1st strong team spirit. 

Rugby V  Brighton College

U13 Won 40-20 (RC)

U12  Won 20-10(GdM)

U10 Won 55-15 (TG)

U9 Won 11-5 (JS)

U10s Rugby v Brighton College

The boys took on Brighton College boys on a blustery day. Our boys started quickly and we worked the ball out of the ruck with Aiden finishing it off! His first try in rugby....ever! We then managed to play some great rugby, Harvey constantly looking for support and his team mates to score the tries. Harvey played beyond his years and was superb in marshalling the team. Brighton managed to score a few tries, George managing to score one for them when he was helping them out! In the second half we continued to show the progress we have made this term with Nemo scoring his first try ever and Kit popping up for his first try of the season. I was very proud of all the boys, really working as a team! A great win and onto the next one!

Rugby V Woodcote House

1st Won 30-25 (RC)
2nd Lost 25-35 (GdM)

U9 Rugby v Copthorne

Lost 7 - 11

The under 9s made the short journey over to Copthorne today. After a lack-less warm up, the game began. The first five minutes, it was like we were still asleep on the minibus. We weren't tackling, holding on, nor supporting each other when we were in possession. The players I have to mention are Torsten and Rufus. They gave everything from the first to the last minute.

We just weren’t up for it today. In patches, we made some fantastic play, but it just wasn’t our day. On to the next one boys!

Rugby V  Copthorne

1st Won 40-10 (RC)

The 1st XII had a strong victory against Copthorne. We dominated the first half and the forwards controlled the breakdown well, providing quick ball for our backs. The good weather and firm pitch then provided the perfect conditions for our backs to do what they do best. Congratulations to Dahiru for scoring 6 great tries. 

2nd Won 50-20(GdM)

U11 Lost 10-40 (CS)

Despite the score line, this was a decent performance from the boys. Admittedly we were a bit slow to get started and perhaps one or two 50/50s didn’t go our way but we persevered and put together some fantastic phases. We were beaten by the better side but on another day, the score could have been much closer. Most notable in terms of improvement was our hunger for the ball. We pounced on anything loose and were then quick to move the ball away. Man of the match today was Miles for excellent attacking play as per usual but also for vast improvement in defence.

U10 Drew 8-8 (TG)

The boys took on Copthorne in weather suited more for cricket than rugby. However, it meant both teams passed the ball well and made very few handling errors. It was a very even game with both teams making some great runs, mixed in with some brilliant tackling and rucking. The lead swung between both teams and it could have gone either way. William F shone scoring 2 great, weaving, tries while Kit C was like a man possessed not missing any tackles. It was great to see the boys all stand up and back Harvey up with his winding runs. The final score of 8-8 was a fair score and it was great to see the boys disappointed with a draw! I was hugely proud of their efforts today and onto the next game

U9 Lost 7-11 (JS)

Rugby V Sunningdale
1st Lost 0-40 (RC)
U11 Lost 10-50 (CS)

With two players missing and a greatly disrupted training schedule in the build up to today's game, we knew we would be up against it and such proved to be the case. The Sunningdale boys showed real power and aggression from the start, combined with excellent technical skills. To be honest, we were blown away in the first five minutes and by the tenth minute, heads looked like they might drop. However, we had a quick chat and it was made clear that from this point, we would forget about the scoreboard and try to match our opposition for grit and determination. The boys really bought into this and in the ten minutes before half time, played some of the bravest rugby I have seen at Ashdown. This under 11 team, with backs firmly to the wall, rolled up their sleeves and started putting in some huge hits. In that period of play, we achieved parity with a truly fantastic opposition showing real heart.

By the start of the second half, this very tired team had pretty much emptied the tank. Nonetheless, they gamely got back in the ring and continued to give their all but were no longer able to stem the tide. Sunningdale ran out comfortable winners but despite the hurt of the loss, I hope the boys will remember that ten minutes with real pride. I certainly will. CS

U9 Lost 20-55 (JS)

The Under 9s were faced up against a tough opposition today. It just seemed like we weren’t up for it today. What didn’t help was an injury to Torsten which took us down to 6v7 for a few minutes.  

Rugby V Brambletye
1st Lost 20-35 (RC)
2nd Won 40-15 (GdM)
U11 Lost 25-45 (CS)
U10 Won 7-3 (TG)

We went to Brambletye missing a couple of players but buoyed by some good practice sessions building up to this match. We started slowly, with Brambletye showing a little bit more grit than our boys. Despite going in 3-1 down at half time, the boys' heads did not drop. They were going down hill in the second half and we took full advantage!

Harvey was backed up by every single players on the pitch, every one making the key tackles and running hard with the ball. William popping up to score his first try and Teddy powering through to score were some of the highlights of the second half. However, due to a fantastic TEAM effort we did not even concede a try in the second period. I was very proud to see the boys showing progress and awesome teamwork! On to the next game and well done boys!

U9 Won 65-15 (JS)

On a windy winter Saturday, we hosted what was a thrilling game of rugby against our local rivals.

Brambletye won the toss and decided that Ashdown should start the game off. From the first whistle, we fired our way through like a bullet. We were excellent at retaining the ball and “pooping” it off to one another. Ashdown found a gap in between the Brambletye defence and secured the first try of the game.

We did switch off slightly, gifting Brambletye a try, but we responded immediately with our high attacking work rate and quick feet. There were too many outstanding moments in the game for me to go through everyone, but the one that stood out for me was Rafe B-B's incredibly quick dodging through Brambletye’s whole team. He managed to squeeze his way through to score a try.

Ashdown won the game 65-15. We dominated in all areas of the pitch. I must say, this was the best rugby I have witnessed at this level. The determination and encouragement from both players and parents were excellent to be a part of. I do have to congratulate all of the players below for the massive team effort today. Well done boys!

Squad: Torsten, Rafe, Felix, Charlie, Bertie H, Rufus and William D

U9 Triangular Rugby v Rose Hill and Skippers Hill

Today we hosted are first Triangular of the term. Ashdown started off facing Rose Hill, and what a game it was. There was action from both sides but neither side was easy to break down. For the amount of try’s there were, in what was only a 15 minute match, was very impressive.

We made some fabulous tackles but still need to improve on spreading out abit more. Ashdown was 25-20 up with 20 seconds to go and unfortunately with just scoring a try, we fell apart from the restart to gift Rose Hill the draw. Very nice rugby all round though.

Ashdown hard a little break for 15 minutes to recover and get prepared for the next game. We faced Skipper’s Hill last, whom just came off the pitch losing narrowly to Rose Hill. From the off, we were on the back foot after conceding within the first 30 seconds. Ashdown responded well with good passing combinations but yet again, very bunched together. The game was coming to an end with Ashdown 20-15 up. With 1 minute to go, the Skipper’s boys were pressing forward. All we had to do was sit tight and defend. Yet again, a gap appeared and they counted on it to make the game a draw.

Very pleased with the boys today as a whole and I’m also very happy to see the parents shouting and being supportive on the touchline. Good effort today boys. Next game against our local neighbours Brambletye on Saturday.

U8s Tag Rugby

Squad: Albie F(C), Bertie D, Andrey K, Jasper L, Stephanie M and Katia F.

The U8s tag team faced teams from both Rosehill and Skippers Hill on Thursday afternoon, in what was a highly competitive set of matches.

Ashdown’s first match was against Rosehill, and it proved to be a thriller. Bertie and Albie immediately announced themselves by wriggling through the opposition’s defence to score a number of tries each. With each score came an almost immediate response down the other end of the pitch. This pattern continued until Ashdown managed to stretch their lead during the final moments of the game. Final score: 5-3 to Ashdown.

Ashdown’s second match was against Skippers Hill, who proved to be a very strong side. Katia and Stephanie immediately settled into the rhythm of the game, announcing themselves as excellent defenders. Following the girls’ lead, our defensive line was impeccable; but The opposition were simply too strong. Final score: 4-2 to Skippers Hill.

The next two games were against two different teams from Rosehill; with the first game being the tougher of the too. Andrey made some winding runs which resulted
in stunning tries in the corner of the pitch. Rosehill weren’t able to reply, leaving the final score at: 5-0 to Ashdown.

The final match was much tougher, and Jasper Lee prevented Rosehill from scoring a number of would-be-decisive tries. Sadly, despite Jasper's brave defending and more tries from Albie and Bertie, we weren’t quite strong enough to win the game. Final score: 4-3 to Rosehill.

Well played today boys and girls; two wins out of four is a top effort!

W.T.

Rugby v Worth
Lost 25 - 30

The 1st XII had a fantastic match against Worth. This was a close, hard fought battle in wet conditions: a true prep school classic. We got the better of them in the first half and took a 15-5 lead into half time, however their team talk must have worked as they came back fighting after the break. The game was poised at 25-25 and would have remained so were it not for an unlucky last minute break away try. The whole team were superb in attack today, we have now found our shape and are rattling through the phases neatly. Special mention must go to Rocco Codrington this afternoon: he is turning into an aggressive ball winner at the breakdown and was a menace to the opposition all match. We now regroup for Brambletye at the weekend.

Rugby vs Cumnor House

Squad: Albert F (C), Bertie D, Jasper L and Andrey K.

The U8s arrived at Cumnor on a gloomy Wednesday afternoon to play three mini matches of tag rugby against Cumnor House.

We had a quick warm up and then it was straight into the first match, which was against some tough opponents. We started off brilliantly, with Albie and Bertie making several scorching runs around the opposition’s defence. Once our support runners got themselves into the game, these moves were quickly converted into tries. With each try that Ashdown scored, Cumnor seemed to reply almost immediately with their own tries. This pattern of impressive offensive play continued for the entirety of the ten minute game, leaving the scores tied at 5-5 when the final whistle blew.

After a quick team talk and a drink, it was straight onto the next game, which was against another group of Cumnor opponents. Andrey and Jasper defended ferociously, ripping tags off at every opportunity that arose. We organised our defensive line well and made it very difficult for our opponents to score. Full time score: 5-2 to Ashdown.

We took to the pitch in high spirits for our final game of the day. Andrey, Bertie, Albie and Jasper all managed to get onto the score sheet during the day, with a number of wonderful dives to finish the moves off. Our organisation was once again excellent and our support running went up another level, meaning the game ended with Ashdown winning 6-3.

A very impressive set of results; well played boys!

W.T.

U9 Rugby v Cumnor House
Won 35-20

The boys gave it there all today in tough conditions. The pitch was very wet and muddy, which the children loved tackling in.

The game in itself was very dominant from Ashdown by some lovely phases being played. Are tackling was strong and effective and are frethe e range of passing was lovely to watch. Cumnor applied the pressure at times, but we fort out for the victory

Well done Chaps

Rugby V Skippers Hill
U11’s Drew 30-30 (CS)

What a fantastic game of rugby!

Despite scoring an early try, we were a little slow off the mark and Skipper’s had some very fast runners. We were 15-5 down within 10 minutes and staring down the barrel of a big loss. However, our structure was good. We were rucking and passing well and for the most part, our tackling was a bit better. If we could get control of the ball and impose our structure on the game, I was confident that we would be able to compete. The boys found their composure, controlled the breakdown and the score started to take care of itself. By halftime it was 20-20.

In the second half, we continued to control the ball and took a clear lead. 30-20 with 4 minutes to go. After our sixth try, we were asked to kickoff. Monty made a good connection, the ball sailed high... Unfortunately, the Skipper’s Hill captain caught it at full sprint and was straight through for a try. 1 try in it with 3 minutes to go. Skipper’s were then awarded a scrum. They went blind to one of their speedsters who strolled through the defence and the match was tied. Undaunted, we threw ourselves into one final attack. In the final play of the game, Miles made a great run but was tackled into touch just short of the line.

A great team performance. Such an improvement from last week. Congrats to Miles on a multiple try scoring man of the match performance and to Boris for his first try of the season.

U10’s Won 7-4 (TG)

Rugby V Vinehall
U13 Won 60-30 (RC, GdM)

The Under 13a had a good match against Vinehall. We took an early lead but had to weather some pressure when Vinehall came back in the second half. We absorbed this pressure and finished strongly, eventually winning 60-30. Tries came from Dahiru, Jean, Hamish and Aanu. Well done to all the boys.

U12 Won 40-10

Rugby V Cottesmore
1st Won 15-10 (RC/GDM)
The 1st XII had a fantastic match against Cottesmore. This was a proper prep school contest with both teams fully committed and fighting hard. We took an early lead from a great individual try by Hamish who was superb all afternoon. The opposition fought back and put us under pressure, however we suddenly found our rucking form and as a result were able to get quick ball for our backs who put the game to bed. Congratulations to all the boys on an outstanding team performance, and to Dahiru and Hamish for a hat-trick each.

2nd Won 15-10(JD)
U11 Lost 10-40 (CS)
U10 Lost 6-7 (TG)

The Under 10s took on Cottesmore on a cold Saturday afternoon. We knew it would be a close game after a 4-4 draw at Cottesmore last term.

Both teams started well, tackling hard and looking to make the breakthrough. Cottesmore took first blood, scoring with a strong drive over the line. However, Ashdown never gave up and we worked hard to run straight and with support. The lead swung back and forth, Harvey and George scoring the tries for us. Sadly, in the last couple of minutes Cottesmore managed to break away and scored the winning try. It was a great game to be a part of, all the boys (from both sides) gave 100% and the result could of gone either way. Thanks to all the parents for their support. On to next week against Skippers Hill.

U9 Lost 3-6 ( JS)

On a gloomy winter’s day, we travelled over to Cottesmore for our first competitive game of the season. With the conditions not being great, it made it very difficult for both sides to gain any sort of momentum or flow to the game.

We started off strongly by making our tackles early. We pressed high up the pitch and as soon as the scrum-half released the ball, we were very aggressive by holding on to the ball carrier in order to stop any progression by them. The game was end to end with superb runs being made by both sides.

Sadly the game finished 6-3 to Cottesmore. However, putting the result to one side, I was very impressed by the team's performance as a whole. I think to go into the next game we need to think about when the first receiver gets the ball. Do they pass or run with it? An expression I like to use with the boys to try and help them understand is “Get out of the mashed potato”. This means that if the first receiver gets the ball, and they want to run with it, don’t run back into where all the opposition are. Two out of our three tries came because of this. Anyhow, well-done today chaps. Keep battling!

Rugby V St. Ronan’s
1st Lost 5-55 (RC)
The Under 13a had a difficult match against an exceptionally strong St Ronan's side. We kept going and improved our performance in the second half but credit must be given to the opposition who are unbeaten in all matches so far. Well done to Tom on his official debut as captain and Vlad whom we are delighted to welcome back to the school. Both boys put full effort in throughout.

2nd Drew 20-20 (GdM/HDM)

Those supporters huddled on the sidelines before kick-off might have anticipated rugby of a similar quality to the weather, which is to say: grim. Ashdown and their opponents, St. Ronan’s, made a mockery of such pessimism, though, scoring four tries apiece and treating the hardy onlookers to some smashing rugby. Neither side was ever more than a try ahead, with a superb Ashdown team display counterbalancing the individual speed and power of St. Ronan’s. Given how well everyone played, I feel uneasy about singling any one out for praise, but Martin certainly showed wonderful potential with his incisive, swerving runs.

Try-wise, Miró scored once, Freddie twice, and, when a clever switch of play at an attacking Ashdown scrum released Massimo, he swooped into the corner, scoring what looked like the winning try with a few minutes remaining. The St. Ronan’s attack that followed encapsulated all that is appealing about rugby. Several direct surges and some slick handling saw them create a three-on-one overlap, which looked destined to result in the equalising try, before Massimo’s heroic covering tackling stopped them just short. The next phase saw the ball held up over the line. Wave after wave of St. Ronan’s runners broke against the Ashdown defence until, with just thirty seconds left, their scrum half somehow squirmed free from a double tackle and slid in to score in the corner.
In short, the game was as good as the weather was bad.

U11 Won 30-15 (CS)
Horrific conditions did not dampen the spirits for our first match of the season. Saint Ronan’s opted to receive the kickoff which proved to be a good choice as the player who caught the ball ran in for a try! Oh dear!

Thankfully, this acted as a wake up call and we soon found some rhythm and shape. Tries from Miles, Daniel and Hunter put us 15-10 up at half time.

The game continued to be very even in the second half with both sides playing well in attack, although all the players have work to do on their tackling.

Shortly before the end Ashdown scored a couple of tries, one a gem of a team try in such grim conditions. The ball went down the line at real pace and with precision, leaving Miles with a walk in.

Today there some very pleasing individual performances but we were very short of cohesion. We must focus on working more as a team and getting our structure correct.

MVP: Monty- some fantastic tackling and lead from the front in a real Captain’s performance.