QE C team v Hartlepool FE

Weather couldn't of been worse for us today, absolutely freezing and rain smashing down. Before the game Gary gave us the team with a couple changes from our previous game. Callum Roe came in on the left hand side and Gary was rewarded with a goal inside 10 seconds as Callum raced on to a through ball by myself to place it in to the corner. His celebration choice was too run back in Steven Gerrard style at Instanbul as he cleearly wanted to get the game put to bed before his fitness kicked in and he had to be replaced. We held on to the lead for the best part of 2 minutes as our keeper spilled the ball in awful conditions and their lad followed up quickest. Straight away we were straight up the other end and after a ball in from me yet again Hal dived in and scored a cracking header to put us 2-1 up. Then within another 2 or 3 minutes their lad beat a couple of men before be was tackled expertly just inside the area, however the referee made an awful call to give a penalty and award them a cheap equaliser. Yet again within the space of 2-3 minutes, Westy, who was absolutely class yet again, went on a darting run before being brought down unfairly inside the box. The referee pretty much had to give it after the previous call, and it was tooked away with ease into the corner I haven't changed in at least 10 years, 3-2. The game started to get slightly fiesty especially after Hals two footed lunge which whilst it wasn't too bad of a tackle, warranted some words from the opposing player who threatened to 'get him properly', typical Hartlepool Rarf. Throughout the rest of the first half we played well and defended solidly, with me and Hal both squandering a brilliant chance each to put us 4-2 up. At half time we came in and 2 subs were made, Ben and Sam came on for Tunner and Callum. As the second half started they clearly wanted to get a quick equaliser but we defended class again, after a very questionable decision to give a corner, their lad jumped highest to win the header which was destined for the top corner, before Bravey leapt like a salmon to make a fantastic goal line clearance. As they started to commit more we were able to catch them on the counter attack, after a scrappy little build up I was able to compose myself on the edge to cut in on my left foot and stroke it into the bottom corner, 4-2. As the game was slightly over Gary made some changes, I was replaced with Tom Raper and Wayne was replaced by Owen i think. Would like to point out I got 2 goals and 2 assists, good days work I must say. With the game opening up now and their main centre half starting to wander, we were able to expose the frail defence they had. Hal was on hand to get his second of the game, I never actually saw it so Hal can feel welcome to comment on his second goal, very sorry Hal. The scoring was then complete with Tom grabbing a goal with an excellent finish into the bottom corner and the game was well and truly over. Whistle blew and after a quick handshake due to conditions we rushed back to the changing rooms for warmth. Abel gets a special mention for providing the towel which helped all us pretty boys who have reputations and couldn't go back to college with our hair the way it was. Quality performance today with places to be played for, well done lads, deserved tomorrow's day off. 

Man of the Match; Westy put in an performance which showed why I was worried in the week when rumours of him leaving came about, yet today I will give MOTM to Wayne for winning the ball constantly, retaining the ball well, and being solid in his tackling. 

Cock up of the week;

This week goes to Sam Henderson who after a quality run from the heart of defence gave a Suarez style dive in an attempt to win a penalty. Absolute shocking dive, which was rightly heckled by the opposition players. Worth pointing out I had to think hard for this cause there wasn't any blatant ones so sorry mate you were quite unlucky this week! 

BCS 7's Tournament

This year has been the first time we have entered a QE Rugby team into the BCS competition. After several weeks of extra sevens training and a lot of hard work we were finally ready to put our mark on BCS.

To advance to the national finals at Bath University we would have to clear three stages pool, semi-finals and the final. In pool B we played games against
Gateshead College
Prior Pursglove College
East Durham College

All of which we won confidently, both the Gateshead and East Durham games were especially important to us, after recent coaching transfers and trial game defeats.

Being so far undefeated we then progressed to the semi-finals we played the 2nd place of pool A
Middlesbrough College

After winning this game with relative ease we progressed to the finals against the champions.
Hartlepool Sixth Form College

The final was incredibly intense with dramatic play left right and center. However at the end of the first half we were losing by a few tries, and injuries were becoming increasingly common.
This only spurred us on though as we came back with a quick succession of expansive play and great tries. By near the end of the second half we were drawn with the experienced Hartlepool side.
In these final few minutes this spectacular game could have gone either way, however two lucky tries secured Hartlepool's final victory. May they have good luck in Bath.

Today has been a spectacular day for rugby at QE not only have we dominated on our first attempt of BCS 7's against much more experienced sides, but have also had a great time doing it, showing what teamwork is all about. The rest of the XV squad has performed brilliantly against Yarm B showing that every player in our rugby community puts 110% into our sport.

Keep it up lads!

Dan

QE rugby report - Yarm B VS QE

Game started well with a early try from Mark moss on crash ball over line to score, conversion puts QE 7-0 up

Shortly after Luke Biggins scores from a good centre move, sending it wide to set him up in the corner, conversion missed 12-0.

After a dominant half in the scrums, the balls was set up nicely for Josh read to run in another try for QE blasting through the centre and scoring under the posts, conversion puts QE 19-0 ahead.

With yet more good work from the forwards taking it round the sides of the breakdown, Josh Read ran the ball through, another try for QE getting the conversion - 26- 0.

Good work from George Herron, Gordon Thompson and Sam bell using fast hands to set winger Luke Biggins in for a try with Josh Read converting another - 33 - 0.

With Yarm's Forwards tiring, Gordon Thompson set up Sam Bell with a nice offload, running it over the line, Josh Read getting the conversion - 40-0.

With a lapse of the forwards attention the back row of Yarm ran it round dodging a tackle scoring a try. Yarm getting the conversion setting the score at 40 - 7 to QE.

Finally in the closing minutes George Herron scored with a good 8 pick up running it over the backs to score under the posts. Final Score QE - 45 - 7 Yarm.

Courtesy of Josh Read

QE Rugby vs Carmel 50-7

A great start of the season for us at QE Rugby with a comfortable victory in our first Nat-West Cup match against Darlington rivals Carmel RC College. 

The rivalry between QE and Carmel has always been fierce and today was no exception, with big hits from both sides, as both teams hit the ground running. We turned up at Carmel with high expectations and rearing to go after two well played trail games and brilliant training from the two Johns. 

From the off Carmel took the game to us with some strong forwards play, however our forwards were up to the challenge and responded well, resulting in us advancing up the pitch with some effective tactical kicking. Persistent pressure in Carmel's 22, good all round team play and a well placed kick by Elliot Wanless gave us a scrum on the Carmel 5m line which resulted in the first try by Mark Moss. 5-0

After this Carmel responded with another big hit from the kick off, but with quick, efficient backs play and some great runs from Costner Brown and Sam Lorimer we worked our way up the pitch. Carmel were reluctant to give in though and possession switched between sides until with some great off loading work Joss Mercer went over the line for the game's second try, which was converted by Costner. 

With the score now at 12-0 we were right into the game attacking and defending with real vigor. After a turnover from the forwards from a line-out this translated into another try under the posts by Sam Lorimer which was again converted by Costner. 19-0

More great play continued with entire team bonding together, performing brilliantly in attack and defense, giving Lewis Hogg to crash through the Carmel defense to score, with Costner converting again and ending the half. 

Half-Time QE 26  Carmel 0

In the second half Camel came back with a vengeance scoring a converted try in the first few minutes from a chipped kick. However we soon came back with great pace which lead Captain Jamie Richardson to score off a pick and drive which Costner converted bringing the score to 33-7. 

This didn't stay like this for long though Jamie soon scored again bringing the score to 38-7.

As the match progressed there was signs of fatigue on both sides but the teams were determined to play to their very best, showing great determination. The game now was centered near the half way line with the two teams contesting for the ball. Carmel began to gain a small upper hand with a held up try and as penalties were given including a shoulder charge from Sam Lorimer. The flanker made up for this however by bursting through the defensive line, aided by excellent passing and support from both the forwards and backs to score his second try of the day. 43-7

Substitutions were made as the game went on, with every man making a significant contribution to both the team and the game. Joss Mercer came off with a head injury which was quickly seen to by JZ, after a astounding game at center breaking through the defensive line with almost every run. His replacement Nick Foxton stepped up to the challenge brilliantly performing very capably in the backs. 

As the game entered its closing stages the we brought the intensity up, playing to our strengths and breaking the defensive line time and time again. Fergus Chapman made a huge contribution to this his great lines and offloading. This exciting and energetic momentum gave Jamie the chance to score his third try of the day which Ollie Cooper Converted to bring about the final score of 50-7 to QE Rugby.

final score:  QE Rugby 50- Carmel RC College 7 

Great game today full of exciting, energetic and well executed play. Couldn't be more proud of the entire squad for their determination and commitment to this team. 

Well done lads lets get some more big wins next week. 

Dan Wood    

QE Girls V Tyne Met

The girls had an interesting game this week with usual goal keeper Jaymie Leigh out, they had to recruit Dboy and Kate as stand in goalies.

We went on our way with the tunes blasting and Titch having a sing a long at the back of the bus. We jogged out not having a warm up because we were late getting there and went straight on with team spirit high and ready to give it our all. Within the first few minutes Tyne Met scored their first goal, however, this didn't dishearten us as we came back fighting for the ball. With our top notch cheerleaders on the side keeping the motivation high we pushed the ball up into their half and Amber just missed out on our first goal. The goals cam flying in by the other team of course, but the girls kept playing their own game and fighting on. Kate made some incredible saves and towards the end of the half ice packs were being brought out as she started having knee problems.

Half time came and we were a few goals down having to swap keepers due to ligament injuries. After a pep talk from captain Maddy Wood, the girls went back out with their heads high and Dboy stepping in as keeper. The half went quickly as the girls played a good half. Unfortunately a few more goals were scored, but this didn't stop them. With Helen Murray and Nicole Fenton in the centre  sprinting up and down the pitch and making some mean tackles. Maddy wood at centre back kept the defence in line taking on the oppositions attack and taking them out one by one. A well played match ladies and good luck for your next match.

Woman of the Match:
Amber Hemmings

QE B Football VS Gateshead

The B Team travelled away this week to Gateshead, the lads raring for this game, it proved to be one to remember, an 18 goal thriller, worthy of first spot on Match Of The Day. 

We all arrived on the bus and with the aid of Hamish's speakers we were on our way, Nath bouncing some tunes from the back of the bus, thinking he was like Like Mike or something. We were are all raring for this game, even though we were late we still arrived to the right place with out getting lost, think that was thanks to the fact the bus driver was a Geordie, always a help. When we arrived late, we didn't have an apparent changing room, we were offered a class room, but after a reckie from a member of staff, we were issued a changing room, in there we quickly put on our kit, and got out there, with not really enough time to warm up Skipper Kane told us to "Stretch out". The game got under way, and from then in it was goals galore, there was brilliant play on display, the ball was pinged about from side to side, this was mostly by them, their number 8 was in the middle of everything, pulling strings as if he was Jack Wilshere. Goals were flying in from everyone, many good solo efforts from them, their two pacey wingers causing problems. But can I just take a minute out to mention how I, now top scorer, hit a 25 yard screamer, after a brilliant interception I picked it up and fizzed it in to the bottom corner, wheeling away with my trademark one arm in the arm celebration celebrated to my adoring fans who lined up on the side line to congratulate me, shock.  I mean, I can score, in the box, outside the box, left, right, you name it! But anyway, both teams battled well, most of all Ross, putting some hefty tackles in thinking he was Kolo Toure or someone, also Kane running after their number 8 who had him inside out, so Kane switched his tactics and decided to play this kind of, Gattuso/Roy Keane role, neither really worked if I'm honest and Kane just ended up wiring him. When Dave brought us in he gave some heated words and we went back on, the game went on and we pressed with Mackis making some crazy runs as per, and Ross trying to play general in his new role as centre mid, they just edged out in front, with some brilliant finishes and well worked goals, and a pretty entertaining game came to and end!

I think I forgot to tell you by the way, when I said 18 goal thriller, I actually meant we got beat 17-1 or did I miss that bit out? my bad! so yeah we got absolutely thrashed, but if you played football everyday for a 5 days I think you would expect to be winning, I mean we care more about academic than sport ey boys, we will see them when we are all lawyers and accountants! 

so yeah, that rounds that up, my man of the match goes to Ian Atherton, his bravery in the first half and determination was brilliant, not to mention his crazy little run.

Squad :

B.Edkins

J.McAleer

R.Mcguigan 

J.Fullerton

I.Atherton (MOM)

K.Bourne (C)

A.Davidson

N.Hurley

A.Brown

M.Vakhos

J.Fenny

Subs:

K.Kirtley

H.Cambell

R.Elliot

D.Birks

C.Aither 

C Team V Stockton Riverside

Bleak afternoon up in Billingham for the game against Stockton Riverside. In a game which we never started too fantastically we did slowly get a grip on things with our midfield starting to get the ball down and play very well. Even with Stocktons early pressure they never truly troubled our back 4 who had a solid game and left jake with little to do out collect a few scrap balls over the defences head. Once again I had a goal ruled out for offside(wrongly) but we didn't have to wait much longer to go ahead after Sam Henderson met a corner like a young John Terry to make it 1-0. The goal was thoroughly deserved and we carried that lead into half time. Gary ran a couple of changes at half time with me and Sam Burchett being replaced by two people who I can't actually remember so sorry lads. In all honesty the second half was a dull affair with Gary using all his squad so we ended up making 7 or 8 substitutions within 15 minutes which kind of disgruntled the side and we slowly started to lose our shape, once the lads coming on got into the game we started keeping hold of the ball without posing any real threat on the opposition goal. The main highlight of the second half was a coming together of the referee, one of their lads and Callum Roe. As the Stockton player was running with the ball the referee practically 2 footed him to the floor making him lose possession and the ball fell to Callum, as the game shouldn't of been stopped Callum went to run with the ball before the referee stopped play and went to talk with Callum before bizarrely showing him a yellow card, we can only assume it was down to the ref not being able to admit he fouled the lad so he decided that Callum was infact at fault. May I point out that the same referee, who resembled Herbet off Family Guy an awful lot, was involved in an incident with myself last year which resulted in me owing £60 to the FA and served what felt like about a 6 month ban so we clearly has something against QE. Their equaliser came from a hopeful cross that flew over the keeper and landed at some round shaped striker who let it cannon off his thunder thighs and trickle into the goal for an undeserved equaliser. The match faded out after that with no team threatening a winner before the referee brought things to aclose. 

Today's man of the match was Sam Henderson or Hendo as he apparently gets called. Absolutely solid at the back with some great tackles and even played out with the ball when possible, grabbing a goal was the icing on the cake for his performance. Also very strong today was Westy who is starting to become quite a driving force of the team, Wayne who must of stayed off the tabs as he looked an awful lot fitter until brutally winded and Bravey who kept there little annoyingly fast winger in his back pocket throughout. 

Cock up this week goes to Ab for numerous things but mainly for not knowing anyone's name and calling Goughy 'Owen' and calling Hal 'Abel' repeatedly. 

Decent performance lads, see you's in two weeks for home game against Hartlepool FE.