Rugby youth

Press, 31 May 1978, Page 19

Rugby youth

Although 10-a-side rugby has been played for a number of seasons now, changes introduced this year have met with criticism from many coaches. This year the scheme has been extended to include not only the under, nine-year-olds, but" the?, under 10s as well, and, many coaches feel that their sides would be far better playing the conventional 15-a-side game. Agreement is widespread that the smaller teams are a boon for the under nines, but it is felt that a year at this type of rugby is enough. The benefits of 10-a-side rugby are obvious. The most apparent thing is that each player has so much more to do. In the 15-a-side, inexperienced or those unsure of their ability could remain outside the activity of the game, rarely if ever having to cope with the challenge of receiving the ball. The sides, or perhaps the coaches, respond to the 10-a-side game by encouraging running and passing rather than kicking. Another factor that the coaches see as important in this grade is the development of team-work. Rarely at this grade do teams play around one key player, who wins games week after week. Of course there are players with more experience and natural ability than others; but most of the coaches seem to have taken up the challenge of 10-a-side by encouraging open team play. Another feature is that players and teams can be

better graded, simply because there are a third more sides. Players at this age can easily lose confidence if they continually come up against bigger and better players. The Rugby Union hopes this Will be avoided as much as possible by the better grading of players. In response to criticism of the coaches; the Rugby Union feels strongly that the smaller-sized teams in the under 10 as well as the under nine are necessary and worth while. Another gripe among the coaches is the absence of competition points at these grades: “the boys know what is going on — they read the results every Monday and see who’s doing well” claimed one coach. Some coaches feel that a points ladder provides incentive for the sides.

The Rugby Union, on the other hand, is striving for the development of open, fast team play at the expense of the win-at-all-costs attitude, which a points ladder would encourage.

If there are some differences of opinion among the administrators, the boys playing on Saturday morning did not seem aware of it. The powerful Linwood under 10 side was too much for Meri-vale-Papanui, winning, by 24-nil. For this big win Linwood should give credit to the display of its half-back, David Wallace. Although only in his first season of rugby, he is rapidly improving and developing a real flair for the game.

In front, Linwood's hooker, Scott Robertson, gave a determined display, while the tackling of Peter Williamson at first fiveeighths stopped many a Merivale move. For Meri-vale-Papanui, Kirk Ramsey, at prop was a deadly tackler, while Hamish Jameson at centre often out ran his opponents. Christchurch and Burnside had a hard, narrow game in the eighteenth grade, Christchurch just scraping home, 8-6. The Christchurch back-line was its strong area, with the first five-eighths, Justin Maurray, and the second five eighths Simon Whity combining well and both giving intelligent displays. For Burnside, its half-back, Simon Thom, gave a sterling display. Also in the eighteenth grade, Merivale-Papanui proved too strong for the Shirley side. David Faass was everywhere for Merivale, and was an extremely hard-working halfback, while Steve Cook proved to be a natural running lock. For Shirley, Phil Carrington in the backs was a great tackler, while Chris Machen, up in the front row, was full of energy. Shirley had a difficult time though, due mainly to the lack of experience and their smaller size. Merivale won, 36-0.

Sydenham had a big win over Suburbs in the under 10 grade, proving that it is very much the side to watch in this grade. Steven Winter changed this year from soccer to rugby, and is showing flair and aptitude, while in the forwards Tony Sparks was a real toiler.