This was the first U7 venture into the world of tag rugby. Quiet a daunting experience for the team, but didn't they do us proud.

We were short on players, so borrowed one from Weymouth and the matches began. After a little confusion as to which way the teams were playing and also which line was the try line, the team settled down and started to play tag.

Although a little chaotic at times the team played well and scored a total of 9 try's, although this could have been more if only they had stayed on their feet when scoring a try. We played 3 games and won 2 out of the 3.

A good effort was made by all and a promising start to the season.

Report submitted by: Chris Minchella, under 7's Coach

The morning started with the pitch still frozen after the overnight freeze. We trained for 1/2hr which enabled the ground to soften enough to play on.

Weymouth were first up. This was a close game and although Weymouth won, Blandford made some positive moves and were close to scoring on several occasions.

Sherborne were second up. This was a closer game and after some misunderstanding about which way each team needed to play, Sherborne scored the first try. This was followed by a further two tries before Dominic scored for Blandford.

This was an improved performance by the U7's considering that matches and training had been cancelled due to the big freeze.

Report submitted by: Chris Minchella, under 7's Coach

What can I say, what a difference 3 weeks makes!

This week we were fielding an all boy team of Will, Owain, Dominic, David and Jack whilst Emaliegh and Harry were away.

We started the morning with our normal warm-up session and skills practise.

The first match was a close run game finishing 4 v 4, but what an improvement. There was lots of talking/shouting from player to player, calling for balls and generally some good following and tagging. We had a few instances when players were found in front of the player with the ball, but with a lot of guidance this happened less. We saw tries from Will and Owain.

In the second match Dorchester were able to field a new team whilst we continued to play the same team. Again the talking, following the ball, taggings were much improved even though by now the pitch was becoming really muddy. It was very much end to end rugby with tries from Will, Owain, David and Dominic. The final score was 6 V 4 to Blandford. A well deserved win.

Report submitted by: Chris Minchella, under 7's Coach

It was a glorious sunny morning that greeted us a Wareham. Again we were a little light on numbers and were bolstered by 2 players from each team when playing the opposite side.

Our first game was against Swan's which was very entertaining with tries being scored by both teams. Each 1/2 was kept to 5 mins because of the heat and a need for a drink. This game was evenly matched and ended in a draw with tries from Emily, Owain, Harry & Will.

Our 2nd game was against Lychett with each 1/2 again been kept to 5 mins. Although the team were beginning to get tired they put in a really good effort but Lychett were the stronger and we went down 5 tries to 1.

Again the team showed great spirit and team work and are improving with each game.

Report submitted by: Chris Minchella, under 7's Coach

Another sunny morning greeted us at Bridport.

We took part in a joint training session with there U7's & 8's and then entered into several matches. We took 5 players Emaleigh, Will, Harry, Owain and Dominic, with 2 players from Bridport to make up our numbers. The matches played were all ended to ended and equally matched with tries been scored on both sides.

The morning was finished with a game against the coaches and a games of bulldog.

Good team spirit shown by all.

Report submitted by: Chris Minchella, under 7's Coach

We were invited to play with Weymouth against a touring side from Twickenham. Unfortunately Twickenham did not bring a U7's squad so it was decided to do a joint training session which was followed by several games.

This week we took Owain, Will, Jack & Harry whilst Emaleigh and Dominic were away. The team was made up with spare Weymouth players.

Again the team played well with lots of communication and calling for the ball, although we still suffer from players been in front of the ball carrier in the heat of the moment!!! The games were evenly matched and enjoyed by both sides.

There was really good team spirit and fun had by all.

Report submitted by: Chris Minchella, under 7's Coach

We were intending to have a game against Bridport but unfortunately they only arrived with one player with many team members on both sides been away over the Easter break.

We had a training session which at times was a little hard as they all turned into spring lambs with there mischievous moments.

We played several games and then finished early which aloud siblings of players in older age groups to watch there games.

We have training next week followed by a touring team on the 25th and the end of season fun morning on the 2nd May.

Report submitted by: Chris Minchella, under 7's Coach

This was a very busy morning for all the teams. We had a visiting team from Exeter along with teams from Warminster and Swans & Wareham. This was the first and last game of the season where we could field a complete Blandford side.

Warminster
Our 1st game was against Warminster. This was an evenly matched game and gave each team the time to wake up. There was not much communication and it took a while for the boy’s to settle.
Tries from Will

Swanage & Wareham
Our second game was against Swanage & Wareham. Again this was an evenly matched game with tries been scored at each. By now the sun was out and everyone was getting hot and bothered. In saying this the boy’s played some good rugby especially ‘WIGGLE HIPS WILL’ who managed to weave his way through the whole Swans team and score. Communication was improving and there were not so many times when players were found in front of the ball.
Tries from Will, Harry, Owain & Dominic

Exeter
Our final game was against Exeter. Both sides were showing the signs of been tired and at times the game became a little rougher then tag allows. Well done to those who took a few pushes but got up and played on. Exeter ran in several early tries followed by a couple from Blandford.
Tries from Harry & Owain

We put in some really good rugby at what is the end of a long season.

I would like to say a ‘BIG WELL DONE’ to all the players for their effort this season. Also THANK YOU to all Parents for your continuing support and enthusiasm. We hope to see you ALL in September.

Report submitted by: Chris Minchella, under 7's Coach

Blandford turned up today at Wey Valley School with a large squad of thirteen players. With such a large turnout, everybody got a fair amount of game time. Weymouth turned up with one player short and asked us if we would be willing to lend them a player, many volunteered showing a high level of sportsmanship at such a young age. With Weymouth up to a full squad, the match got underway with Blandford struggling to play on a larger pitch than what they were used to.

Today's game showed that Blandford still have a lot to work, which can be covered in the four week gap until the next game. However, I congratulate our players on never giving up today and would like to announce that the Man of the Match trophy went to Oliver Nye for his outstanding effort to involve the rest of the team as well as not being fearful of the other team as he is our smallest team member.

Report submitted by: Stuart Pentney, under 9's Coach

Despite a wet and windy start to the day, Blandford turned up with a good number of players to go up against North Dorset. Coaches of both teams, decided to go for two short games rather than a long game where the players end up cold and freezing.

Despite loosing both of the games we played against North Dorset, Blandford U9s have come really far in terms of defence and supporting the man with the ball. It was a really hard choice when it came to do substitutes during pauses of play as all players wanted to stay on and play. It was even more difficult to choose the Man of the Match as all players played exceptionally well and if I had enough trophies I would give all of them one. In the end I choose Fraser Minchella, because of his brilliant running (when he ran in the right direction), excellent supporting of the ball carrier and the lack of fear in taking on the bigger North Dorset Players.

Next week is training at Blandford School and I hope to see all of the U9s there. Have a good week.

Report submitted by: Stuart Pentney, under 9's Coach

With a chilly start to the day, the teams where unsure of whether or not they would be playing. The ground was hard and very nearly unplayable. After a quick meet by all coaches, it was agreed to train the players until 11am when they would kick off with a trial game to determine if the ground was playable. Blandford and Weymouth agreed to play this first game.

Blandford vs. Weymouth
After agreeing to play a 10 aside game as both squads had over 10 players, Blandford started the game off. Blandford forced their way into the Weymouth half after a successful ruck. Unfortunately Blandford where unable to capitalise on this push and conceded multiple tries to the fast and nimble Weymouth players. Half time was called after 6 minutes of play so that there would be enough time to play another half and another two matches. Blandford spirits where up even after conceding tries to Weymouth. After a quick talk to the players, the game restarted with Weymouth in possession. After some spectacular tackles on both sides, Weymouth was once again able to score a try. After another six minutes of play, full time was called with Weymouth as the victors in a hard fought game.

Blandford were given a twelve minute break to relax and think about what was needed to be done in the next game whilst Sherborne and Weymouth played against each other.

Blandford vs. Sherborne
The second game played by both teams started off with Sherborne in possession. The black and white striped Sherborne were able to force their way into the Blandford half giving them a strong platform to launch their next attack. Sherborne were able to take advantage of their position and where able to score a try. With the game re-starting with Blandford, we forced our way into their half with a run from Captain Robbie Hine and supporting play from forwards and Fly-Half Ollie Nye. However, the smells of a try were not fulfilling and Blandford again conceded a try to Sherborne after a loss at a ruck. After half time, Sherborne where able to slot in a few tries before the full time whistle sounded ending the game.

After both games, Blandford where thoroughly worn out and the players should feel proud of themselves as even though they lost both of their games, they never gave ground before the opposition and made some very good tackles. After viewing the games with intensity, Dustin chose the man of the match for his supporting teamwork and the fact that he took steps forwards instead of backwards in rucks and mauls and the chosen player was captain Robbie Hine.

Report submitted by: Stuart Pentney, under 9's Coach

With a rainy start to the day, both teams started their pre-match warm-up. Both Dorchester and Blandford had ample numbers and both squads were bolstered with a few U10s.

The first game started off on the grid where Blandford normally train with good play from both sides. Blandford were able to put in brilliant tackles and scoring one try for their effort. However, Blandford where not able to stop the Dorchester attack and the visitors where able to slot five tries before the full time whistle. Both teams wanted to play again with Blandford suggesting that the game moved to the space where the Blandford U7&8s train.

With the pitch set up, Blandford started the second game off with a series of good supporting runs and managed to score one try. The visitors where able to score a try in response to the opening try of the home side. Blandford were able to score another try before the half time whistle sounded.

At the start of the second half, Dorchester went on the offensive managing to score their second try of the game. Unfortunately Blandford where unable to score again for the rest of the game and were put on the defensive. The defensive line broke when Dorchester attacked and forced Blandford to put in some brilliant tackles that where inspired by the U10s in the squad. In the end Dorchester scored their third try at the very last minute giving them the win.

Though we lost both games, I am very pleased at how the team worked together and how well they tackled the opposing team. I would like to personally thank the U10s who came and helped us today and all of the parents for bringing the players along as well. The Man of The Match Trophy was awarded to Rupert Bowerman by assistant coach Dustin Makay.

Next week is at Weymouth Rugby Club for a joint training session with them. Please can you go to the Rugby Club rather than Wey Valley School and be there by 10:00. Thank You All!!

Report submitted by: Stuart Pentney, under 9's Coach

Apologies to the entire U9's team for this late write up of their match from their games against Bridport at their home pitch.

With a damp couple days before, and the tag fest the previous day, the pitches at Bridport were in a rather muddy state, but the players didn't care about this one bit (though I think their parents did!). Both teams decided to start the games as soon as their players had warmed up. The first game proved to be hard going with both teams scoring multiple tries at half time. The re-start was with Blandford who were able to push past the Bridport defence and score their fourth and final try of the first game. Bridport where able to end the game on a high note by scoring a retaliatory try before the whistle marking full time. The end score of the first game was 4-3 to Blandford!

The second game started with Blandford on a buzz after their win. This time however, Bridport forced Blandford to commit to every ruck and tackle making our defensive line smaller and smaller allowing them to slot not one but two tries past our lines. After this, Blandford answered with two tries of their own before half time was blown. With the scores level at the re-start, Blandford went all out and managed to keep possession for most of the second half and scoring a third try. When Bridport tried to reply, Blandford were able to deny them until the final whistle giving them the second game of the day. The end score of the second game was 3-2 to Blandford.

I would like to congratulate the players on their teamwork that allowed them to win. The next game is on the 28th Match at Weymouth; please can all parents and players be there by 1000hrs by the latest as the first game starts then and there is touring side down (Twickenham) this weekend as well.

Report submitted by: Stuart Pentney, under 9's Coach

Thank you, parents for arriving as soon as you could with the terrible traffic as you came into Weymouth and arriving when you did.

We were invited to go down to Weymouth to help them against the touring side Twickenham. We ended up splitting up our original U9s/U10s combined team and sent our U10s to play with the depleted Weymouth U10s against Twickenham and from reports by Mike Shrimpton; the combined team lost their game against the touring team.

Meanwhile, we sent half of our U9s to the Weymouth side to make a complete team to play Twickenham who unfortunately lost this game to the touring side. But Weymouth came and said a large thank you for playing for them. I would like to point out that I am proud of the U9 players who offered to play in the blue jersey of Weymouth and that they did the Blandford RFC proud as well.

The third game of the day ended up being a combined U9s/U10s team from Blandford against a combined U9s/U10s Twickenham team. This game was a hard fought match with both teams making brilliant attacks with the best supporting I have seen in a game at this level. However, Twickenham were able to once again win this game with the score at 7-4.

I would like to thank Twickenham after the game on the comments that our team can accomplish a fair deal in the long term future of this team. I would like to also thank the Weymouth RFC to for allowing us to go to them and play Twickenham as well. I thank our newest mascot to the Blandford U9s, The Magpie, for keeping the players entertained by jumping on the parents (especially Shane Morley) and having a plain suicidal nature by flying into a scrum at one point. Lastly I would like to thank our own Blandford U9s and 10s for willingly playing for a different club and I would like to thank the parents of the players for the loud encouragement from the side line that rivalled my own, please next match, more of this parents.

Oh on a final closing note, next week is Easter Sunday so you can all have a day off and munch on some chocolate.

Report submitted by: Stuart Pentney, under 9's Coach

For the final time this season, Blandford came up against Bridport's U9/10's with our own U9/10's squad. Both teams decided to have a small training session before the game started.

The game started with Bridport making instant headway into the Blandford half and ended up scoring very quickly with a second try being scored very soon afterwards. Blandford were able to fight back and managed to score two tries before the whistle for half time was blown.

The second half started off badly for the home team with the visitors scoring two tries in quick succession. Blandford were able to score a single retaliatory try in response. The rest of the game ended with the game becoming stagnant with both teams not making the important break to the try line. The game ended with a score of 4-3 to Bridport.

I would like to congratulate both teams for a well played game and Jack Morley for winning the Man of the Match trophy. Next week is training, and the following week (25th April) we have a home game against Exeter Saracens, Warminster and Swanage & Wareham. The final day of the season where presentations will be made will be on the 2nd May so can all parents turn up with trackies and a pair of boots so that we can make a fun day of it by having you joining in with in the fun and games.

Report submitted by: Stuart Pentney, under 9's Coach

As part of a last minute deal, Blandford decided to host Chew Valley RFC who where on tour but where let down on a match for today. Both teams spent time warming up though it was considerably warm with the sun out.

The first game kicked off with Chew Valley taking the win. Blandford found themselves up against a very good team that were able to charge through the lines and found it difficult to get tackles in because they were going in too high allowing the bigger players in the visiting team to shrug off tackles.

When the second game started just after the first. Blandford where able to force the touring side to fight for every piece of ground and Blandford came very close to winning the second game at one stage but unfortunately, Chew Valley were able to take the second victory. The Man of the Match Trophy was awarded to Harry Morgan by assistant coach Dustin.

Note to all parents, next week on the 25th April we have Exeter Saracens, Swanage & Wareham and Warminster at home, so could all players be down on the pitches for a 10:00 start. And a reminder that the presentation day is on the 2nd May this year and the trophies will be given out by club chairman, Jay Frampton. If you cannot make this date, please let me know on the 25th or send me an email on my usual email.

Many thanks, Stuart

Report submitted by: Stuart Pentney, under 9's Coach

Blandford started the day with a match against the Swanage and Wareham (Swans). Both teams started off very well, with Blandford defending strongly against the older Under 10's Swans side. Unfortunately the age difference began to show as the Swans scored two tries in the first half and another in the second. A brilliant interception from Fraser almost saw Blandford score, but alas he was tackled just before the try line after a full pitch run.

In Blandford's second and final game we played the Warminster side. The match was very evenly matched with both teams scoring in the first half. Several strong runs by the Warminster players were cut down by the strong defending of the Blandford side. The second half of the game was very exciting with both teams trying for a game winning try. Blandford had some promising runs although they were prevented from scoring again, while a lucky break saw Warminster going one try ahead to win the match. Special mention goes out to Arras for scoring and for some exceptional tackles, Fraser for his amazing and well thought out interception, and to Harry, our very enthusiastic scrum half.

Regrettably Blandford did not get the opportunity to play the touring Saracens team as there was not enough time to fit in all of the games.

Report submitted by: Dustin Mackay, under 9's Assistant Coach

Squad of 6 players- so played 7's borrowing one from Dorchester with uncontested line outs and scrums.

All of the team played really well, the players gave 100% to the game and showed off their skills, with some amazing tackles, defence work and carrying from Callum G and Ewan. Also good 'hooking' and line outs from Andy in the scrum, then came a plethora of tries from Ryan, along with good defence work, his parents are now in the poor house !!! (paying out for all those tries - 6 or 7) Luke got himself a try and showed solid defence work and stepped in to fill the gap in the scrum. Well done to Joe for scoring his first try for Blandford, with some brilliant defence work and powering across the gain line.

This was by far the best the boys have played this season and they should feel proud of their performance. Now we will build on this and go from strength to strength.

Report submitted by: Louise Chichester, under 11's Team Manager

Game 1 – Playing on a hard pitch, Blandford made the majority of the running in the first half. However, even with the majority of possession and territory they were unable to put points on the board due to some good physical tackling from the home team. Weymouth started the brighter in the second half, with Blandford being put on the back foot and Weymouth making inroads into Blandford's half for the first time. After stemming the tide, Blandford replied with some better 'team' rugby and were unlucky not to take the lead on a number of occasions. In the final quarter of the game, a lapse in concentration led to Weymouth scoring the only try of the match after good passing across their back line.

Result - Weymouth 5 - Blandford 0

Game 2 - After a break for a rest and some motivational words from respective coaches the teams returned for the second game, with both teams playing better rugby. Blandford had realised that they were not going to win the game by taking the ball into contact and started playing some expansive, supportive rugby. A brace of early tries from Leon, put Blandford into a 10-5 lead, but Weymouth managed to level the scores to 10-10 with a breakaway try soon before half time. The second half brought a continued improvement from both teams, in their first competitive matches of the season, with Blandford gaining the advantage through further tries from Patrick with some elusive running and Ben with some good support play. All of the Blandford players continued to up their game especially in their support to the player with the ball enabling successful 'off-loads' in the tackle which brought a further two tries, with Weymouth replying with a consolation try at the very end.

Result - Weymouth 15 - Blandford 30

Report submitted by: Jon Heaton, under 12's Parent

Both teams travelled to this fixture unsure if the match would take place due to torrential rain and high winds. However after completing their respective warm-ups, the poor weather subsided and the match got underway.

North Dorset started the match with greater urgency and their well drilled pack and half backs began to dominate immediately. Within 10 minutes the visitors had scored two tries, and a one sided match looked on the cards; however Blandford fought back well and came very close to scoring after Leon made a strong run for the line after a quickly taken penalty.

After the half time interval Blandford made the brighter start with both Josh and Dominic making strong runs into the opposition's half. The backs created some good passing moves and a number of well placed kicks kept the pressure on North Dorset. It was North Dorset who scored the first try of the second half though after some strong close-quarter forward play had created possession and space. Blandford retaliated quickly with an opportunist try from Ben and then had the chance to claw back further after North Dorset had a player sent off, but North Dorset hung on and defended solidly to deservedly win the match.

Result - Blandford, 1 try - North Dorset, 3 tries.

Report submitted by: Jon Heaton, under 12's Parent

Blandford RFC 30 - Swanage & Wareham RFC 15

What a great advert for U13 rugby. This county cup knock out game was played at a furious pace throughout with both sides dominating periods of play. Blandford opened the scoring with an uncoverted try in the first 5 minutes of play and followed this up with another try shortly afterwards to make the score 10 - 0 after 8 minutes of play. Swanage and Wareham however were not prepared to lie down and took control of the next 10 minutes to level the score at 10 all. The game swung back to Blandford when they scored an uncoverted try just before half time to leave the half time score at 15 - 10. The start of the 2nd half saw Blandford stretch their lead to 20 points with 3 well constructed tries, but once again Swans fought back to score the last try of the match to make the final score 30 -15.

Both sides showed what can be done with good defense creating turnover ball and great attacking play. Although Blandford go through to the next round, it took both sides to produce a great rugby spectical in which 9 tries were scored. Well done to both teams.

Match photo album can be viewed here.

Report submitted by: Mark Burroughs, under 13's Assistant Coach

Blandford RFC 12 - Weymouth RFC 27

On a water logged pitch, this was a war of attrition. With Weymouth's huge pack, they played 10 man rugby and dominated most areas of play. Blandford defended fiercely and had to soak up an enormous amount of pressure, and when they did get the opportunity, they spread the ball wide to put in two great running tries. Unfortunately, the pressure of the heavier pack and the soft ground took its toll and Weymouth came out comfortable winners in this Cup match, but not without a great fight from a "never say die" Blandford team.

Well done to Weymouth and good luck in the next round.

Report submitted by: Mark Burroughs, under 13's Assistant Coach

Blandford travelled to Dorchester, coming away with a win. The final score was 78-7.

Report submitted by: Mark Burroughs, under 13's Assistant Coach

Blandford U13s travelled to Weymouth coming away with a victory (24 -12) after losing to Weymouth earlier in the season in the County Cup.

Report submitted by: Mark Burroughs, under 13's Coach

The start of the match saw Weymouth camped in the Blandford 22, but with fierce and solid defence, Blandford repelled wave after wave of attacking play and with a great turnover and numbers in support, they were the first to score. Weymouth again put all their efforts into attack from the kick off but were once again held out. Blandford slowly started to find their feet and ran in a converted try to leave the score at 0 - 12 at half time.

Having defended for most of the first half, Blandford changed gear in the second half to run in 4 beautifully worked tries (2 converted) to which Weymouth answered with two unconverted tries of their own. Despite having by far the smaller pack, Blandford held their own in all phases of set play and were able to inflict crushing turnover ball which made all the difference to the result. Blandford's defence throughout the entire game was absoluted solid and although the territorial and possession stakes belonged to Weymouth, Blandford came out as deserved winners.

Final score was 36-10 to Blandford.

Blandford U13's have lost only 2 games this entire season and all augers well for the future of this team as they near the end of this season. Well done U13's.

This side is looking for more players to join in their success, so anyone who would like to play, training is being held at Blandford school on Sunday morning 11th April between 10.00 and 12.00.

Report submitted by: Mark Burroughs, under 13's Coach

Blandford under 15/16s embarked on their 1st game of the season against a strong Dorchester outfit. The game was broken up into a four sections of twenty minutes to allow both coaches a chance to see players in different positions. I would like to extend my thanks to Dorchester who allowed us many players on rotation from their squad, without this kind gesture the game would not have been able to have gone ahead. The game was played in good spirit with many positives shown from both sides.

Dorchester started the strongest and out scored Blandford three tries to zero in the first 20 minutes. Blandford rallied in the second twenty however and scored their first try of the season through some excellent retention of possession and sharp finishing from the backs. Dorchester equalised in the dying minutes to tie the second quarter. The third quarter saw Dorchester take control with some strong forward play resulting in three well taken tries.

The final quarter belonged to Blandford. They dominated possession and were rewarded with a fine try in the corner. Dorchester soon equalised through an interception which made for a thrilling final 5 minutes. Blandford were camped on Dorchester's line with 30 seconds remaining and almost clinched the fourth quarter with a incisive run form their winger - only to be held up over the line.

I was delighted with the boys efforts. We scored two brilliant team tries and it was a fantastic game to watch, a good physical encounter.

Blandford under 15/16s train behind the Blandford school on a Sunday from 10 am till 12. We are always looking for new players of any ability and standard.

Report submitted by: Doug Baker, under 15/16's Coach