Annan youth section were in action at the weekend with the first game for many years for the U13 team. Their first game was against Dumfries on Sunday 14th playing on a sunny Violetbank.
This was a good starting encounter for the young team and it was a well competed and enjoyable game for both teams. Dumfries capitalised on the inexperience to cover the width of the pitch and the speedy winger crossed the line on more than one occasion.
Annan battled hard and were close to scoring on a number of occasions but came up short due to turnover balls or knock-ons.
Not taking anything away from Dumfries's win, the positives for the Annan were the eagerness of these young players to work hard until the bitter end, good tackling technique and handling both in the loose and by support players.
Annan did get on the score sheet by some hard work at close quarters by Drew Gaugh who battled over for a well won try. Pick of the scoring was by Robert Muir who recovered a loose ball 20 metres inside Annan's half and sythed through the Dumfries defence, not happy with breaking through the defence he then sprinted the remaining 40 metres to score a most memorable try, hopefully more of these to come from Robert.
Well done to all on this first game, more U12 & U13 players needed to supplement the squad so bring a friend.
Next game for the Youth section is for the U15/16 team on Friday 19th March under the lights at Violetbank against Dumfries. Kick off 7pm players meet at 6pm. Please ensure coaches know of your availability
Annan U16s hosted a 10s tournament on Sunday at Violetbank with teams from Annan, Langholm, Newton Stewart, Carrick and Cheshire touring side Lymm. The tourists provided two teams for the tournament ‘Lymm’itations and ‘Lymm’inators.
All the participating teams provide a feast of open flowing rugby with both Lymm teams undefeated throughout the afternoon. The scores were Annan 0 Langholm 15, Lymmitations 14 Newton Stewart 3, Carrick 2 Lymminators 8, Annan 0 Lymmitations 28, Newton Stewart 2 Lymminators 16, Langholm 3 Carrick 7, Annan 2 Newton Stewart 8, Lymmitations 20 Carrick 0, Langholm 9 Lymminators 20 (Scoring try 2 points conversion 1 point)
The Annan coaches and participating parents and helpers have to be congratulated on a well organized and successful tournament.
This week there are three youth teams in action:
U16 vs Langholm U16 at Violetbank kick off 2pm
S1/2 vs Dumfries S1/2 at Park Farm kick off 12 o'clock
P6/7 vs Dumfries P6/7 kick off 11:30.
Minibus for S1/2 & P6/7 leaving the rugby club at 10:45am. Those players travelling separately to meet at Park Farm at 11am.
All players to contact coaches to confirm availability ASAP.
This weeks game was going to be a test against Newton Steward who are currently placed second in the league, the previous encounter not going in Annan’s favour.
The opening 20 minutes of the game was a thrilling end to end match with the battle in muddy conditions being played out in the forwards. With a strengthened back division bolstered by Adam Thomson the visitors’ attack failed to penetrate the strong defensive line. A changed back row combination of Jack Millar, Ryan Glass and Sean Armstrong ensured that any loose ball or half tackle was pounced upon with vigour. A hard slog by the teams saw the score at 10 -0 in Newton Stewarts’ favour with 10 minutes until half time.
This was an impressive change to the previous game and encouraging for the coaches to see the team beginning to gel and putting the training into practice. The scoreline was dented by two opportunist tries by the visitors. Their stand-off spotting a stretched defensive line drew the last man to allow the winger to score in the corner. Prior to half time a loss of concentration at a penalty allowed Newton Stewart an easy score.
The second half began with Annan trying to take the game to the visitors and continue with the driving play that had aided them in the first half. Newton Stewart’s team talk at the break had obviously focussed on attacking out wide, and as a result the gaps began to appear with the Annan defence stretched. Some excellent cover defence by full back James Morrison and Wing David Ingram kept the onslaught at bay.
At one point, with only the line to cross for score the Newton Stewart centre was chased down and tackled by Jo Glendinning and ball retrieved by Annan, which was fantastic to watch. The visitors however had the upper hand in the second half and scored 5 tries through some excellent handling and individual skills.
Highlight for Annan was a well earned score 5 minutes from time. A succession of drives by the forwards saw the Annan attack camped 10 metres from visitors’ line, the defence held off a drive by Thomas Buckley but from the ruck the ball was driven over by Ryan Lupton to get Annan on the scoreboard. Converted easily by Jo Glendinning the Annan spirits were lifted. Battling to the last minute with no further scores awarded to either team this ended a big step in the Tigers progression.
Last weekend saw the U16 Tigers back in action after a long spell of inactivity with a trip to Maybole in Ayrshire to play Carrick U16's the current league leaders. The last two games against Carrick resulted in the Tigers at the wrong end of high scoring games. This time the lads were hoping for a more balanced game. With the weather being in favour of a good game of rugby (for once) the Tigers were focussed on making up for the last two results.
After a two and a half hour bus journey the opening 15 mins of the match was dominated by Carrick whose lively back division continuously threatened the Annan defence, and with numbers reduced due to school commitments the team had to be shuffled to cover those missing. That aside the players stood to the task and battled hard to contain the Carrick attack.
Stout defence by Sean Armstrong playing on the wing ensured that the Carrick centres would need to work hard for their scores and with minimal scores the Carrick attack began to step inside and capitalise on a disorganised Annan cover defence.
Although the scores were going Carrick’s way the physicality of the tackling by Annan had increased by 100% compared to previous games and Carrick had not been ready for this with Annan gaining ground in a number of occasions due to turn over ball, such instances saw Kieran McDiarmont and Murray McCubbin winning ball and battling for 20-30m the latter opening the way for a quick ball from the base of the ruck and David Ingram narrowly missing a score in the corner but for some ditch scrabbling defence by Carrick. With reduced numbers in the scrum (both teams playing 13-side format) the Annan pack changed the format of the line out as there was nobody to lift in the line-outs. This however worked in the Tigers favour as they won every one of their own line-outs. Ronnie Martin being the key figure and taking ball each time driving forward into the Carrick defence.
The first half ended with the tigers being seven tries down but the hard work and intensity by both sides did not reflect that, with the wind in their favour in the second half the Tigers were aiming to restore the balance. The Tigers half backs utilised the wind in this half and were able to keep the Carrick onslaught at bay, however with the Carrick No.12 and 15 playing their best rugby this season they severely dented the Tigers plans of a come back. Both players displayed strength in attack, good footwork and determination to go forward each time they received the ball that it took 2-3 Annan players to stop them, resulting in gaps which the remainder of the Carrick Team capitalised upon.
Not to be beaten the Tigers continued with the task and were rewarded with a well earned try by Thomas Buckley which had been the result of pressure on the Carrick defence and winning turn over ball, quick ball from the base of the ruck to Thomas who had the time to notice an opening in the Carrick defence and went for the line from 10m out. With Jo Glendinning kicking the conversion from a very difficult angle with his first kick of the game this got Annan on the score board and their heads up once again.
The second half was a better display by the Tigers as they tightened up the defence around the ruck and continued to win ball at their own lines and scrums but alas a win against Carrick would need to wait until later in the season. Final recorded score Carrick 60- Annan 7
Pick of the players from the coaches would be Sean Armstrong for his strength in defence with Stephen Love and Thomas Buckley close behind.
Big game also this week from Ronnie Martin who battled hard in the line out and scrums. All players played out of their skins and should be proud of their hard work
. Next game is against Newton Stewart on the 14th Feb at Violetbank 2pm KO. All players to ensure they get to training in preparation for the next league game.
Following a pitch inspection at Violetbank this afternoon the playing surface has been deemed unsuitable for youth teams training this evening (Tues 12th)
Further information will be provided as the pitches become available.
For any further info contact youth team coaches".
Due extreme weather conditions the training for the Youth section has been cancelled until further notice. Parents and players will be updated of the situation via this newspaper column and the club webpage (annanrfc.com).
If you require further information please contact one of the Youth team coaches.
There will no training during the school holiday period.
Tuesday the 15th Dec was the last session and will restart Tuesday 5th Jan.
The next scheduled U16 game is against Wigtownshire on 20th Dec meet at Rugby Club 10:45am. Text message will be sent to players to confirm this.
Bag packing at the Annan Somerfield Store is planned for 30th Dec from 9am – 6pm.
This is the only fund raising planned this year so all your support is required.
Times for packing are 0900–1030, 1030–1200, 1200–1330, 1330-1500, 1500-1630, 1630-1800.
We need a minimum of three players at each 90min slot, so please arrange a time and confirm your availability to Jimmy or Sean.
Newton Stewart in the SRU West U16 Div 2 South leagues. All players meet at the Clubhouse at 11.30am.
Is this the start of a winning streak?
Following on from the 1st team win at the week end the U16's took on Wigtownshire U16's at the Everholm on Sunday and came away with a resounding win of 56-5.
An under strength 'Shire team could not cope with penetrating runs provided by Adam Thompson, Thomas Buckley and Ryan "Pies" Lupton.
The Coaches are extremely pleased with this win especially with the confidence being shown going forward and commitment this week in defence.
Still rough around the edges but an encouraging game to watch. This weekend (15th Nov) squad session planned at Violetbank with the next game away to Newton Stewart on 22nd Nov.
Annan U16’s game against Stewartry last Sunday was cancelled. This Sunday Annan U16s are at home to Wigtownshire U16s at Violetbank with a 2.00pm K.O. All players to contact their coaches regarding availability and time of meeting.
Annan’s U16 team travel to the Greenlaw on Sunday to play Stewartry U16s in a league match. All players to contact their coaches regarding availability and time of meeting.
This Sunday Annan U16s travel to Maybole to take on Carrick in the U16 Bowl competition. KO 2pm.
All players to contact their coaches regarding availability and time of meeting.
Annan U16s host Carrick U16s at Violetbank on Sunday with a 2.00pm K.O. All players to meet at Violetbank 1pm.
All players should confirm their availability for the game to Sean by Friday 16th.
TIGERS DRAWN AWAY TO CARRICK
The Tigers have been drawn away to Carrick in the preliminary round of the U16 Bowl Competition. Tie to be played on Sunday 25th October.
If the Tigers get through, then they have been drawn away to the winners of the Uddingston/Cambuslang game. Tie to be played on Sunday 29th November.
All Annan U16 players please note that the U16's have no game on Sunday 11th October and also there will be no training for youth section on Tuesday 13th Oct due to unavailability of coaches.
The next game for U16's is Sunday 18th October at Violetbank against Carrick.
With a 2pm KO All players to meet at Violetbank 1pm.
All players should confirm their availability for the game to Sean by Friday 16th
TRAINING NUMBERS GET BIGGER AND BIGGER
Youth training figures have taken a dramatic boost with 39 eager youths turning up on Tuesday.
A call again goes out to any ex-players, Parents or Friends of Annan RFC to assist in the coaching of the lads.
If enough people get involved this will only require 1 or 2 nights attendance per month.
We have recently welcomed Patrina Sidebottom onto the coaching squad with assistance being provided by Jim Tweedie, Hairy, Bellie, Chocolate and Lecter when Shifts and Club training duties allow.
If you want to come along to assist contact Sean Buckley (07894836537) or Jimmy Crombie (07784214263)
MARR KNOCK OUT THE TIGERS
Sundays game against the league leaders Marr in Cup action was a huge challenge for the U16 team. Marr U16's are a well drilled and experienced team and the lads should not get disheartened by the result.
Although well beaten the team did show signs of their dynamic play witnessed the previous week. In end easy turn over of the ball at the breakdown and poor tackling gave Marr sufficient opportunities to capitalise and punish Annan for there errors. Final recorded score 60-0.
Next game is at home this Sunday 27th Sept against Marr. KO is 2pm. Players to meet at Violetbank at 1pm prompt.
ANNAN TIGERS AWAY TO MARR IN CUP ACTION
This week’s game sees the U16's in Cup action against league leaders Marr at Troon.
Bus leaves club at 11am. All players should confirm their availability to the Coaches by Friday.
Next League is on 27th Sept at Home against Marr.
NOTICE TO ALL YOUTH PLAYERS & PARENTS
The Youth Section for P5 – P7 age groups train on Tuesday at 7pm at Violetbank. The Youth Section for S1 – S2 age groups are training on Tuesday at 7pm at Violetbank.
If you have some free time on a Tuesday evening Parents/Guardians ex-players and Friends of Annan RFC are welcome assist as coaches. Previous experience of rugby is not required as the Youth Coaches will set out the training programme so you will not be “Left to it”.
ANNAN TIGERS BEAT ARDROSSAN
The Annan Tigers started their league season with a comprehensive 34-5 victory over Ardrossan. Annan only had 13 players which made the victory all the more impressive.
ANNAN TIGERS HOME TO ARDROSSAN IN LEAGUE
Annan Tigers start their league campaign in Division 2A of the West of Scotland Leagues on Sunday 13th September against Ardrossan U16s at Violetbank
KO 2pm – Meet Violetbank @ 1pm
TRAINING BEGINS
Annan Tigers U12 - U16 age groups are now training on Tuesday Nights at Violetbank.
Training starts at 7pm, be there at 6:45pm to changed in time.
1ST GAME OF THE SEASON
Next Annan Tigers Match is U15 Tigers vs Stewartry on Wed Sept 2nd at Violetbank KO 7pm. Players to meet at Violetbank at 6pm.
DG BULLS SUCCESS
4 Tigers U15 Players picked to Play for DG Bulls - Thomas Buckley (Capt), Matthew Crombie, James Morrison and Gavin Graham.
Results so far are a defeat 47-7 vs Kestrels and a win 38-33 vs Rhinos.
Next Bulls game is this Sunday 23rd Aug at Park Farm. KO 12 noon. and the following week at Stewartry RFC (Greenlaw) KO 12 noon.
ANNAN U13/15 XV V STEWARTRY U13/15 XV
The Annan Tigers have had a positive result in there first away encounter against Stewartry.
In a development style match the U13-U15 team scored 5 tries to the home sides 2.
Well done to the lads, we are now looking for a return match or other opposition very soon.
ANNAN U13/15 XV V STEWARTRY U13/15 XV
The next Annan Tigers game will be played on the 24th June against Stewartry
The game will be played at Castle Douglas with Kick off planned for 7pm A minibus has been booked and will leave at 5:30pm from The Rugby Club - 17 Bank Street.
Arrival back at the Rugby Club is expected to be approximately 9:30pm.
All players are invited to play and should inform the coaches of their availability by 23rd June at the very latest.
Contact Sean on 07894836537 or Jimmy on 07784214263
All players should come with the following: Water proof jackets, black training tops, black shorts, socks and gum shields (gum shields still available - see the coaches if you need one).
£1.00 is required to cover the cost of the bus.
Parents are welcomed to come along and cheer the team on.
ANNAN TIGERS DEBUT MATCH
Annan's U15 squad played well against a Biggar team that were just finishing their season and were well drilled. The game consisted of 3x 20min sessions and the first was a eye opener for them to put all the coaching into practice.
The forwards were equal to their Biggar counterparts but it was in the open that the more organised back division capitalised. The Tigers stuck to there task and gradually came back into the game and were unlucky not to score in the final 20 minutes.
All 19 played a part in the game including young Drew Gaugh (P7) who entered the fray at hooker (uncontested scrums thereafter). Well done to all the Tigers, the rest of the Fair weather rugby season beckons with their next game hopeful for 2 weeks time. Watch this space.
ANNAN TIGERS HAVE DEBUT MATCH
Annan Tigers U15s are playing Biggar U15s on Sunday 26th April 2009 at Biggar.
Kick off - 12.00pm at Biggar.
Meet at Clubhouse in Bank Street 09.30 - 09.45am
Small bus provided for Players will leave at 09:45am, parents/supporters in cars are invited to come along and support the squad at their first game.
Annan's Youth policy has provided the club and Scottish Rugby with three players capped for Scotland at Youth level: Andrew White, Alex Dunbar and Mark Clark over the past few years. They, and many others, have gone on to enjoy rugby at Senior level with Annan RFC. With a close liaison between the Club and Annan Academy facilitated by school coach Colin McCann who is also Vice President of Annan RFC the club is in a position to offer quality coaching at Youth level. The entire youth coaching structure will be overseen by Annan RFC senior Club coach Paul Buckley.
S1-S2 will be coached on a Tuesday evening at Violetbank, starting on Tuesday 23rd September. Participants are asked to be at Violetbank at 6.45pm for a 7.00pm start with the sessions finishing at 8.30pm. The coaches for this age group are Sean Buckley, Dougie Thomson, James Mason and Jim Crombie.
S4-S6 will be coached on a Thursday evening at Violetbank starting on Thursday 25th September. The times are as for S1-S3 sessions. The coaches are Kenny White, Ian Patterson, Neil Chalmers and John Panczak.
Any parent who would like to be involved, in whatever way, is requested to contact Club President Don Barty or any of the coaches mentioned. All of the coaches undergo the Enhanced Disclosure Scotland process which is administered on behalf of the club by Norrie Galbraith.
