Chinnor U13 Boys Rugby Match Report: February 11th, 2024

Key Points:

• Mixed Results: Despite the draw, the report acknowledges challenges faced due to player absences and unfamiliar positions.
• Encouraging Team Growth: Coaches praise improved performance in later matches and highlight overall progress.
• Areas for Improvement: The report emphasises the need for increased intensity, commitment, and participation in rucks.
• Selection for Upcoming Festival: Commitment and performance will be key factors in selecting players for the Southern Counties Festival in March.
• Next Season Plans: Plans are outlined for potentially fielding two teams next season, with performance-based selection and opportunities for players to move between teams.

Positive Takeaways:

• The team persevered despite challenges and demonstrated improvement throughout the day.
• Coaches identified strong performers and provided specific feedback for development.
• Transparency and clear expectations are set for players regarding selection and next season's structure.

Actionable Items:

• Players should reflect on the feedback and strive to show increased commitment and effort in training and matches.
• Parents should discuss the report with their children and reinforce the importance of dedication and improvement.
• Coaches will continue to provide guidance and support to help players reach their full potential.

Thanks to all boys and parents for turning out at Oxford Quins this morning. It was a lovely morning for rugby.

Both of the Chinnor teams were tested pretty hard throughout, especially in the first matches where we were slow to start and off our game.

Our performance was not helped by Holiday absence, illness or injuries to some in the early encounters, the integration of a few boys from High Wycombe, to whom we are grateful, and the need to play boys in unfamiliar positions. We should still be proud that we are fielding two teams to the other clubs’ one each - rugby is an inclusive sport for all. A player that can operate in multiple positions is much more valuable to the squad as a whole rather than someone who thinks they are the ‘Player for that position"

Both our early matches, and to a lesser degree the later ones, were characterised by tenacity on our part in the breakdown, being much slower to compete and much less committed. We were pushed out of possession far too many times. Aylesbury and Quins brought more intensity and that was essentially the difference today.

The second, intramural match was a good opportunity to coach and be constructive and the performance improved across the board in the following matches.

That said, there are still far too many players who leave the hard work to the handful that are focussed and willing; far too many ‘Ruck Inspectors’. We need those boys to step up a level please and play harder. Equally, there were some stand-out performers today - you know who you are - and some excellent play.

We have played this season to date with balanced teams from our squad, meaning that every player has a spot with little or no consequence of their attitude, commitment & all round performance. However in 3 weeks time with have the Southern Counties Festival ( 17th March ). This is a a festival for Performance and Development teams. At present we have 1 entry and this is for the PERFORMANCE MATCHES. This means that we will be taking a MAX of 18 players to this event. 13+5 subs. ( We are on the waiting list for a development spot)

So the message is clear : If you wish to be considered for this squad we need to see your commitment across the board - from Training sessions to Teamwork ; From Jackling to Tackling.

This also leads us to Next Season and how it will work. IF the coaches plans come to fruition and we also retain our squad numbers, our aim will be to still put out TWO teams. One will be Performance and one will be Development. The players will be continually evaluated throughout the season with No-One person owning a Jersey ( place ). Low performers ( attendance & game perf ) in the Performance Squad will be dropped to the Development squad and have to earn their place back; and Vice-Versa - High Performers from the Development squad will be given an opportunity to play in the Performance squad. We need the boys to understand that effort is going to be rewarded.

We write these reports to share our thoughts to you as the parents but more importantly so the players understand what we saw and what is expected.

Pleas make sure you share and discuss.

Have a great half term break, and see you at the next Sundays session!

U13 Leadership