QE v Darlington College

30th April

Squad: (4-4-2 Diamond)
K.Thompson
S.Read (3) (MOM)
H.Spence
J.Marshall (1)
J.Clark
A.Grocott
N.Wright
P.New
L.Kershaw (Number 10)
C.Edwards (3)
D.Wardale (1)

Subs:
H. Herraghty

The venue for this particular game was Darlington Rugby Club, and the players made their own way to the game. Sam Read took first year prodigies Clark and Nath in his silver corsa. Marshall in the 1.6 Astra (with GB sticker) was accompanied by Wardale, Spence and Edwards who enjoyed Florida Georgia Line's newest album. Kershy then picked up the stragglers. The pre match music was supplied by Sam Read on his Ipad, a mixture of house and techno.

QE started the game slow with the home team breaking the offside trap however Thompson saved well in the one v one situation. The opening goal of the game was scored by Edwards who used his blistering pace to leave the tech central defenders before finishing around the keeper. The home team equalised after after a short kick by Thompson put QE under pressure before a fine finesse finish from the edge of the box. Edwards scored his second of the afternoon and a rebound from a Read shot fell to the poacher.

Marshall Goal: Qe corner, the ball is floated into a dangerous area of the box. With the assistance of Wardale, Marshall loses his marker and makes a powerful run toward the ball. Rising the highest Marshall powerfully headed the ball towards the far corner leaving the stranded keeper with no chance. Marshall, Read and Kershy celebrated in the corner by completing the Julia 'Pogo' celebration. This turned out to be the winning goal. 

HT 3-1

The second half began with a crossfield switch being brought down by gaffer Scott on the inside of the left foot and being kept up repeatedly. The in form Edwards completed his hat trick after miscontrolling a wonderfully whipped cross from Jordi Alba.

Goal - Darlington College Penalty (Given away by either Grocott/Kershaw or Thompson) I am unsure.

I now hand over to Northern League Sam Read to talk through his first hat-trick for the famous purple and black. 

"After receiving some harsh words from Mark "just pass" Scott at half time I knew myself we weren't at the races today and were playing very poor. We were fortunate to be in leading at half time and knew we had to up our game. This Martin Gray side were well drilled and playing the Martin Gray way: hit the channels, don't contemplate passing out of trouble and if in doubt make an over zealous challenge. It was the 54th minute and the ball was switched from H Spence looking ever the more Phillip Mexes-esc as the game went on to myself in the right full back position. Spence was playing in his 73rd derby fixture between the two teams however this is expected to be his last after finally wrangling together enough UCAS points from unknown sources to go to university. A sharp intelligent run from first year Craig Edwards utilized the space in behind the Darlington defence. Using my nach personality feeling the need to achieve something from this game I continued my run to just inside the box where the ball was played back at perfect weight for me to slot in the corner. The second goal again came from a switch utilising the space we had out wide where the ball was played into the box only for myself to turn and volley the ball left footed Zidane- esc. The final goal came from a run down the wing from Harry Herraghty who was fouled and after attending Dolphin Centre Gym and circuits with QE's answer to Ronnie Coleman Paul New it was clear know one was going to argue with myself. The penalty was scored and the hatrick completed. However I would like to use this moment to publicise the fact that I still haven't received match ball from the day and can only assume that it is being sorted as we type. 

The home side converted another penalty which was given away by highly experienced veteran Spence. The tackle could only be described as a Pascal Cygan swooping lunge. The final goal of the game came from top scorer Wardale who cut in of the wing to finish expertly in the bottom corner.

Final Score: 8-3
Attendance: 987

Footnote: Match ball to be posted to P.Carroll (Room 181)

QE A team v Hartlepool Sixth Form

4-3-3 (Thompson, Richardson, Spence, Marshall, Read, Grocott, Wright, New, Wardale, Edwards, Beauchamp 

The afternoons proceedings began with a well structured and high intensity warm up carried out by Sam Read who ensured the boys were prepared for the game. Experienced pro Spence set out goals before the game of keeping a clean sheet and the key word for the forwards being 'Clincal'. Qe were to attack into the wind first half. 

2.01 - Game kicks off QE in iconic purple shirts, black shorts and socks and Hartlepool wearing blue. 

2.14 - UFC punch from radged Hartlepool centre forward sees a straight red and an early bath/shower. 

2.22 - No chances created so far, the match is fairly disappointing for the large attendance at Abbey Road. 

2.36 - Qe are dominating possession only one memorable chance for Beauchamp after a defensive error. 

2.48 After 3 minutes added time the referee called half time, introduction of 'Kershy'.

2.55 - Players are out 

3.14 - Beauchamp rounds the keep but fires wide. 

3.15 - Hegharty and highly rated Denny enter the frame.

3.29 - GOAL - Denny picks up the ball 30 yards from goal before beating two players and firing low in the bottom corner infront of the Westbourne Grove faithful. 

3.41 - Qe hang on for the victory and pick up a much needed 3 points

QE C v Stockton Riverside

It was a typical home game at the sell out arena Abbey Road. Not once has the weather ever been nice at that ground in my 1 and a half years at this college. However even with the rain smashing down and the potential of playing in what could only be described as a swimming pool, spirits in the home team dressing room were high. Replenished by the newly opened tuck shop the team were once again ready to undergo battle with our counterparts from the rough old place of Stockton. The team was slightly altered with a few changes to the squad recently; 4-4-1-1 of Jake, Tunner, Bravey, Underwood, Timms, Raper, Neish, Skips, Thapa, West and up top on his own Denny. With the blow from the ref the game was underway. In these conditions it was particularly hard to get the ball down and play the QE way, which resulted in lots of balls been played up to Hal, who using his strength managed to rile their centre halves and hold up play expertly. This lead to Hal getting the opening goal, in my old age I'm becoming very forgetful so I apologise for not remembering the build up, although I'm sure I pulled the strings in the middle before Hal was in on goal and made it 1-0. Basically from the restart we switched off and conceded a very poor goal. After a little scrappy bit of play we went 2-1 up, Westy this time with the goal after some good work between him and Hal. Once again we were struck by the typical saying of 'most vulnerable when you just scored' and it was 2-2 through probably the weakest shot ever which bobbled into the corner. The next goal was probably the best goal of the game, Westy proving his worth by beating his man down the wing before crossing expertly for Tom to finish on the volley, 3-2. The highest bit of quality in the game came from QE's enforcer in midfield, with a pass that the little French beauty Yohan Cabaye would of been highly proud of. There defence was spilt and Westy was on hand to to make it 4-2, yet however in a one and one he hit the post, to the disgust of the playmaker, it stayed 3-2. Robert soon made up for his error when more good work from him and Hal resulted in a goal after Westy rounded the keeper, It was now 4-2. QE's fifth goal of the game was soon to follow, the midfield general once again instigating the move with a brilliant tackle in central midfield before releasing Denny who then squared it to Rob, although I was in a much better position, Westy however completed a first half hat-trick and the win now looked comfortable. Second half was more of the same with a few tiring legs, once again a Cabaye like pass from you know who fell right to Westy, who returned the favour to Hal to get his second of the game. With the score at 6-2 Gary felt it comfortable to make a couple of substitutions, with myself carrying a back injury of having to carry the team I departed for the new squad member Matthew and Sam came on in place on Lewis who had a solid debut. Whilst off the pitch we scored again through a delightful free kick off Hal Denny to complete his hat trick, Sams mazy run must be mentioned as it forced the defence to swipe him down just outside the box. They then scored again to make it 7-3, the obvious lack of a leader on the pitch resulted in a free man being left in the centre to easily slot the ball home. The game then fizzled out and after the return of the enforcer the ship was steadied and QE cruised to victory. Only other thing to note was Westy causing some aggro with one of their little rotters who had a slight hissy fit right on full time. 

MOTM; Robert west today was awarded MOTM for grabbing a hat trick and being instrumental in everything we did going forward. Although he would of struggled without the rock behind him it was a deserved accolade for the lad. 

Cock up; 

Unfortunately this week it will go to myself for 2 occasions. The first one being a free kick which I went to take quickly, unfortunately I slipped and fell flat on my face, providing great entertainment for everyone watching. Secondly after a fairly decent run I went to turn their right back who was disorientated at the pace and skill on show, I tried to turn him and once again turned into Bambi on ice and went head over tit, somehow managing to pick myself up and keep the ball. Warrior. 

Good routine win lads and still 2nd. Will let everyone know about next game. 

QE Girls Vs Sunderland College

Great performance from the team today. We had a great turn out despite the awful weather and the extremely boggy pitch. Sunderland were a tough opponent but with a solid team effort we were able to come out on top. The first half started off strong, with several attempts on goal we came so close to opening the score sheet with some great attacking play from Lauren, Nicole and Charlotte. The half finished at 0-0. With some inspiring words from Mr Hogg at half time we entered the prepared to take the game to them. Playing with the wind against us we were unable to keep out a great shot from Sunderland going down 1-0. Heads didn’t go down, and with a great save to keep us in the game from Raven the team was even more determined not to lose.  The game was level after a great free kick straight in the top corner from Maddy.  With a solid performance in midfield from Amber and in defence from Beth the team was able to prevent a number of opportunities from Sunderland keeping the game very tight. As the ball was played forward to Helen on up front the team stood and watched as she stood a yard from an open goal and measured up her shot after taking time to have a good look and confusing everyone else on the pitch as to what was going on Helen placed the ball in the back of the net putting QE 2-1 up. The team didn’t stop there, with a great ball forward to Lauren who was able to strongly challenge the keeper for the ball pushing the ball past the keeper making the final score 3-1 to QE. Great efforts from everyone today, WELL DONE!!

QE A Team v Gateshead College

After what would be considered a fairly lengthy winter break the A team were back in action against the big timers (Scotty's term) also known as Gateshead College in the league game away from home. The atmosphere on the bus was subdued with Paul New sleeping the full length of the journey while the rest of the players discussed University choices. For the first time this season the back seats were a first year only zone with Kieran Thompson, Craig Edwards and Josh Clark (Sam Read's apprentice) occupying those places.

From the first whistle Nathan Wright was giving a monumental performance in the middle of the park breaking up play with great work rate and providing quality when on the ball. The 3G surface suited him down to the ground with his confidence to receive the ball in tight situations and then be able to play out. Sam Read had passed a late fitness and despite his physical condition was performing well dominating the right winger who currently plays for the England Schoolboys squad (apparently). Against the wind QE were playing exceptionally well moving the ball around the pitch and giving the opposition little opportunity. The home teams best chance of the half came from a free kick which was clawed out of the top corner by Thompson. The showboat moment of the game came from skipper James Marshall. Receiving the ball from keeper Thompson before then flicking the ball over the strikers head in his own box followed by releasing it to a QE player. Half time the score was 0-0, solid defensive performances from Spence and Richardson had helped achieve this along with Grocott who was extremely effective playing the in Claude Makelele role.

Gateshead began to get on top of the game in the second half, probably due to the fact that they train 25 hours a week. Craig Edwards had ran himself into the ground playing the lone striker role. This responsibility was then given to Paul New who gave a 'Yakubu' like performance. It was clear that QE were going for the direct approach when Duncan Ferguson (Spence) was moved into the target man role. The A team's best chance of the game fell to Harry Spence with 7 minutes to play. Some good build up followed by a magic reverse pass by Nathan Wright fell directly into the path of Spence who cleared the astroturf with his usually trusted right foot. After some time wasting by the Gateshead players and referee the game had finished 1-0 to Gateshead.

Attendance - 28
MOM: Nathan Wright

Rugby Match report QE vs Macmillan Academey

The first game of the new year got off to a great start with fast impactive play from the first whistle. Ollie Cooper was almost the first on the scoreboard in the first few minutes but only missing out narrowly. Soon after after a recycling of the ball John Payne blasted through the defence to score in the opposite corner ( not converted)

QE 5 - Macmillan 0

The break from John set the standard for the rest of the game as within the next few minutes  with consecutive explosive breaks from Jamie Richardson, Liam Matthews and Danny Souter, before Ollie Pearse made an inspired run straight through the macmillan defense to score under the posts (converted by Coops).

QE 12 - Macmillan 0

After some possession tussell in the macmillan 10 & 22 a kick and chase allowed Sam lorimer to score in the corner increasing the lead ( not converted)

QE 17 - Macmillan 0

After some more expansive play by Macmillan into the QE 10m, a well placed kick gave QE a 5m scrum in front of the posts, where Fergus Chapman powered over the line to score the last try of the half (converted).

HT
QE 24 - Macmillan 0


In the second half Macmillan began to show more promise with the slope of the pitch to their advantage, but dominant lineouts, scrums and mauls ensure little possession for the home team. This inevitably lead to Joss Mercer Scoring off one of his trademark lines (unconverted).

QE 29 - Macmillan 0

The next try came from Sam Lorimer again off a long succession of offloads from both forwards and backs (unconverted).

QE 34 -Macmillan 0

Macmillan came back more focused from this ceasing the opportunity of a few penalties for Coops (playing for Macmillan due to a shortage of players to score in the corner (unconverted).

QE 34  - Macmillan 5

With the home side now on the scoreboard pressure was increased until Coops scored again (for the right team this time) in the corner off a set of offloads (unconverted).

QE 39 - Macmillan 5

The last try of the game came from macmillan again exploiting penalties in close proximity to the line (unconverted).

FT
QE 39 - Macmillan 10

A good score today lads and a really good laugh, Well done to everyone there today and lets see results like this in our incoming games. Also a special mention to those who played for Macmillan showing real sportsmanship.
Well Done lads.
Dan

C Team v Tyne Met

After just watching Newcastle at Swansea I'm quite happy I chose not to attend that game in South Wales and make a much happier trip up to Tyneside to continue our fine form. Due to the absence of some of our squad, all suffering from the terrible illness of awaydayitus, we had to draft in a couple lads names Niall and James, can't go into too much detail of them due to legal reasons. The long journey there was pretty low key, with James and Ab throwing out some very questionable dance moves for a period of time. We were treated with the sight of the beautiful St James Park on the way in, the glorious Sydney Opera House( the sage) and also some of the more rural ends of Newcastle which need not be described nor returned too. Eventually we got there, and as we turned up there team was actually about to leave, so the journey could of been a shocking waste of time. Anyway after walking a good 17 miles too the pitch we found it, it was a fairly sized 7 aside pitch but the upside was it was onlooking the training complex of Newcastle United. This could of been a huge chance to impress. With the sun beaming down and making it difficult for our goalkeeper to see we kicked off, playing also against a slight wind. It took about 4 minutes for me and probably most of the lads to realise we were playing against absolute gash, and in honesty some of us took our foot off the pedal at 0-0.  Chances were few and far between in the first half, Westy hit the bar with a decent free kick whilst they hit the bar when their right winger hit a cross come shot that Jake tipped onto the bar. A quick break in the first half resulted in Tom being through, his shot was below average to be honest in the windy conditions, yet somehow it slipped under the keeper, then Ab came racing on to score from at least an inch out, 1-0. We came in at half time and after not playing great we were winning, Gary made 3 changes bringing James Niall and Josh on. The second half kicked off and we were right on the front foot, James was terrorising the centre backs whilst Niall and Westy were tearing their fullbacks apart. The second goal came with James picking the ball up before beating a couple players, then rifling a unstoppable drive into the top corner with what I believe to be his weaker foot, 2-0. The third goal followed shortly afterwards when Niall was played through into a position where any normal person would have crossed to the 3 team mates in the middle, Niall chose not to pass, and expertly smashed the ball into the far corner, 3-0. With the game over Gary started making changes with me slotting into my enforcer role in centre midfield and Tom coming back on up top. The 4th goal came from James once again dancing his way through the defence, who were getting slightly annoyed at the fact they could not touch him. With Tom Daley being in the headlines this week, personally more shocked that there is another series of his tv show than the fact he is batting for the away team but you know, one thing he has done well however is inspire James, not into having the strength to come out, but to perform a dive of a very high standard, it honestly would of been a solid 8 at the Olympics, but the referee pointed straight to the spot without hesitation. Due to not being on the scoresheet only one person was taking this despite Ab asking in the background if he could have a pop. Don't really need to say that it went in considering who took it, 4-0. Without even kicking back off I was taken off by our manager in a dubious call with our other centre midfielder limping about, favouritism. I never really watched the rest of the game as I was trying to find the ball from one of Toms wayward shots, eventually he did put one in the net from a follow up after Westy forced the keeper into a save. Shockingly this 'team' actually got a consolation, after Ab failed to clear his lines they got a corner, from this some small person leapt highest to head past Jake who can be forgiven for not being on his toes as the poor lad will have been freezing his tits off. The game fizzled out and we headed back to the bus with a pretty routine victory under our belt, happy days. 

Man of the match;

Today goes to Abel Neish, solid, steady performance. Did the simple things well, broke up their play, charged counter attacks, won tackles, generally a good game. 

Cock up of the Week;

Sam Henderson- After 5 goals last week he thought he was Aguero when it came to finishing and begged to go up top, had 2 clear chances and wasted them both, stick to defending lad. 

Home to Redcar next week lads, will text details later need a good turn up last game before Christmas. Cheers to James, Niall and Josh for today. Well played lads.