NLD U20s to travel to Bournville on Sunday 24th February
February 22nd, 2019 by Katherine WellsNLD u20s hit the road this Sunday travelling to Bournville RFC for their match against what will be a tough North Midlands side.
Having beaten East Midlands in Round 1 NLD have taken great confidence in their performance following their promotion last season.
Over ten clubs within NLD have been represented thus far as well as the University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, Univeristy of Derby. All players have been a credit to themselves and their clubs / institutes.
The squad for this upcoming fixture is:
Robert Aikman – Nottingham University
Joe Barnes – Long Eaton RFC/Nottingham Academy
Josh Beech – Melbourne RFC
Josh Bloomfield – Nottingham Trent University
Jordan Butcher – Spalding RFC
Tommie Collingwood – Nottingham Trent University
Jonah Dickie – Sutton Bonnington RFC
Will Ellison – Newark RFC
George Harris – West Bridgford RFC
James Heale – Sutton Bonnington RFC
Will Helliwell – Melton Mowbray RFC
Jake Hicklin – West Bridgford RFC
Hugo Kellaway – Nottingham University
Dan Lamb – Nottingham Trent University
Jonny Morley – Belper RFC
Ollie Perkins – Nottingham University
James Peachey – Nottingham Trent University
Xander Purcell – West Bridgford RFC
Will Spendlove – Nottingham University
Will Taylor – Paviors RFC
Finlay Tweedie – Newark RFC
Logan Watt – Newark RFC
Head Coach, Matt Derbyshire said “ We have a very competitive squad with all players pushing hard for inclusion in the matchday 24. Players want to represent their county and are doing so with fantastic commitment and efforts. We have provided opportunities to over 35 players in the match day squads so far and more will follow. A number of players have put their hands up for Midlands consideration and selection. It’s a squad effort and what has pleased me the most is the attitude of all players supporting one another and driving their standards higher each week.”
All support will be warmly welcomed for the game with a 2:30pm KO.
NLD U20s v East Midlands U20s
February 15th, 2019 by Katherine WellsNLD U20s started the 2019 campaign with a dazzling performance against a strong East Midlands U20s. The blues secured an impressive 39-12 victory scoring a total of seven tries.
Derby RFC hosted the match and conditions were good with clear bright skies and a rather placid wing.
The squad comprised of:
Dan Lamb – Nottingham Trent University
Jordan Butcher – Spalding RFC
Jake Hicklin – West Bridgford RFC
James Bennett – Nottingham Corsairs RFC
John Cooke-Rogers – Melbourne RFC
George Harris – West Bridgford RFC
Jonny Morley – Belper RFC
George Pomfret – Lincoln RFC
Natty Brisco – West Bridgford RFC
Olly Overman – Derby RFC
Xander Purcell – West Bridgford RFC
Josh Sarsfield – Scunthorpe RFC
Jamie Murray – Nottingham Trent University
Finlay Tweedie – Newark RFC
Hugo Kellaway – Nottingham University
Iago Davies – West Bridgford RFC
Joe Barnes – Long Eaton RFC / Nottingham Academy
Harry Clempson – Nottingham Trent University
Josh Bloomfield – Nottingham Trent University
Andrew Brown – West Bridgford RFC
Robert Aikman – Nottingham University
Will Taylor – Paviors RFC
Logan Watt – Newark RFC
Joshua Beech – Melbourne RFC
The first twenty minutes were played with real ferocity and tempo with an early score for Iago Davis and two for Will Taylor. NLD’s ball retention was impressive as they recycled the ball with purpose and probed the opposition’s defence time and again. NLD dominated the game in the early stages as they controlled the key facets including scrum, lineout and backplay.
The second twenty saw a shift in momentum as East Midlands used their burly backrow runners to good effect. NLD coped well with these threats until a class line was run by their backrow who had power and pace to break through the home side’s defensive line to score. They soon had a second score with a quick pick and go from a couple of metres out. Before the first half was up NLD had scored a fourth try as the pace of the backline saw the ball spread wide left for a beautiful offload out of the tackle which Bloomfield raced onto to score.
Despite dominating the first period, NLD were challenged with playing with more composure and structure in the second half, as identified by the players leadership group. Ensuring the full squad was used, several interchanges had already been made in the first period, and more were to follow.
The second half started as the first had ended, with great energy and tempo from the home side. East Midlands were tiring and NLD continued to press hard with the ball in hand. Three more tries followed as Aikman, Brisco and Brown breached East Midlands’ defence to round off a fabulous performance with a fantastic result.
Each player represented the three counties with real pride and passion. A true testament to the great nature of the sport. Well done to all involved.
Disciplinary Committee update – Important notice for all clubs
February 13th, 2019 by Katherine WellsThe new NLD Disciplinary Committee is now operational and we request that you familiarise yourselves with the updated processes involved, particularly the requirements for prompt reporting of red card and match official abuse incidents and the timely completion of club disciplinary hearings.
Please also take note of the new email addresses to be used for communication concerning disciplinary matters.
| Matthew O’Grady | Chair of Discipline | [email protected] |
| Andrew Statham | CB Discipline Secretary | [email protected] |
| Chris Johnson | CB Youth Discipline Secretary | [email protected] |
Full details can be found on the NLD website at https://nldrfu.co.uk/discipline
NLD Women’s Trials Postponed
February 12th, 2019 by Katherine WellsUnfortunately, due to poor pitch conditions, the NLD Women’s Trials, which were due to take place at Newark RFC tonight, have been postponed.
Date and venue of the rescheduled trials are to be confirmed.
If you have any questions regarding this, please get in touch with the NLD Women & Girls’ Chairman, Neil Clack or the NLD Women’s Manager, Sarah Driver.
NLD U16s v Eastern Counties
February 7th, 2019 by Katherine Wells
.NLD U16s played, once again, on the new all-weather pitch at Derby RFC
After the weather we have had in the run up to Sunday, arriving in sunshine set up match day, but the clouds came over by kick off. Having won the toss, the NLD skipper choose to make them play into the sun. Pity the sun decided to hide.
After the last game’s slow start, NLD set out to make amends. Running hard at EC’s defence they made the most of early possession to force a penalty, which Tom Wigglesworth stepped up and turned into three points. 3-0
From the restart, NLD kept the ball well and, when EC had the ball, pressured their line forci
ng a penalty from not releasing in the tackle. From the resulting line out on the EC 22-yard line, a clean catch and drive saw the NLD pack rumble all the way to the try line with Ben Hart peeling off to score the first try. 8-0
Straight from the KO Liam Cooling ran straight back at EC offloading to his fellow prop Josh White. The pair looked more like centres than forwards and with the ball being fed quickly wide, Tom Davies scored; this time the conversion was good. 15-0
EC came back at NLD and with some good attacking play looked like forcing their way to our try line, but a great steal at the tackle saw NLD counter-attack and Jack Taylor strode away to score the third converted try. 22-0
The final try of the half came from yet another break by a prop feeding the ball to Tom Wigglesworth who dutifully touched down under the posts and converted his own try. 29-0 at the break.
Making several changes at half-time left us wondering if we had tinkered too much, but the bench proved just as worthy of game time as the starters.
Stealing the ball once more at the breakdown saw a kick ahead chased and gathered by Harry Clough who scored a converted try. 36-0
EC tried attacking from their own half but struggled to break out and a forced pass led to Ben Hart gathering a loose ball, which fed to Cormac Calnan saw him score a converted try 43-0
The next try came from a scrum in midfield which saw a great interchange and straight running by the centre pairing resulting in Ethan Heath-Drury scoring a converted try bringing up the 50 – 0 
Not to be outdone by the backs Jake Dunn broke through the EC defence and set up a thoroughly deserved try for Liam Cooling. 57 – 0
With the clock ticking down NLD then conceded a series of penalties which lifted EC, they drove to the NLD line and from a five metre scrum their No 8 pealed blind and dragged three NLD players over the line for a much deserved consolation try.
Final score NLD 57 – EC 5
“Good performance yesterday and an enjoyable game for the spectators too.” Lee Slack NLD U18s Manager
Big thank you to Derby RFC once again for their hospitality and to NLD for providing the three officials.
Next and final fixture is away against Leicestershire and looks like being a late kick off 3.30pm at Leicester Forest RFC on their all-weather pitch.
NLD U17s Squad announcement
February 5th, 2019 by Katherine WellsThe NLD U17s Trials were held on Sunday at Derby RFC with about 40 players from around the Three Counties taking part.
Following the session, the Coaching & Management Team met to discuss a rationalisation of the Squad, which has inevitably resulted in a reduction in numbers, especially in those positions where there are multiple duplications.
The ability of the players on show on Sunday is testament to the depth of quality within the CB and any players who have been left out at this stage should feel proud of having been nominated as one of the best players within the Three Counties in their position.
Moving forward, a number of players in the current NLD U16s Squad, who will be identified by the U16s Coaching Team as being capable of stepping up, will be invited to join the Provisional U17s Squad along with those returning U17s players from the last campaign.
Further training sessions have been arranged with a view to refining the final numbers within the Squad to a more manageable level prior to reconvening for the warm up games in April and the Midlands U18s campaign next season.
Those sessions will take place on:
Monday 18 February & Monday 25 February
Venue: Newark RFC
Time: 18:00 for Registration
Duration: 18:30 – 20:00
These sessions will be skills based and NON-CONTACT.
Evidence shows that many of the players involved at Representative level are already playing an increased amount of rugby at school and club.
Consequently, the NLD programme acknowledges the heightened physicality such players undertake and it is designed to develop and enhance higher level skills and decision-making rather than merely reinforcing the physical aspects of the game.
Provisional U17s Squad
Max BAGGALEY
Euan BAGSHAW
Charklie BEECHAM
Tom BRIDDON
Isaac BURLEY
Noah CADBY
Oscar CLINK
Ben CROWE
Sam DAY
Tom DUNCOMB
Reece FLOWERS-LANE
Liam GAVIN
Max HAYES
Liam HIND
Finn HOPE
Josh LEIPER
Aneirin LEWIS
Oliver LOWE
Ben MANDERFIELD
William NORTON-LANE
Jack PATRICK
Eddie PIZZEY
Nathan ROGERS
Jack SANDERS
William SHENNAN
Kaie TURNER
James TWEEDIE
Callum TWEEDIE
Ciaran WOLVERSON
William YATES
Braedon YOUNGS
Liam SHEERAN
Ollie WELSH
Returning U17s from this season
Josh ALTON-SMITH
Sam BROOKS
Taran ELMS
Chris HESLAM
Caius TWEED
It’s early 2019, and the journey starts here. Who knows which players might shine brightly enough over the coming months to wear the blue shirt as a Midlands player or even the coveted White shirt of England!
Bring it on!
Lee Slack
NLD U17s Trials – Sunday 03 February 2019
February 1st, 2019 by Katherine WellsThe following players have been nominated by their Clubs or Schools to attend the NLD U17s Trials:
Max BAGGALEY
Euan BAGSHAW
Charlie BEECHAM
Tom BRIDDON
Isaac BURLEY
Noah CADBY
Isaac CARLEY
Oscar CLINK
Jake COOPER
Ben CROWE
William DARK
Sam DAY
Tom DUNCOMB
Reece FLOWERS-LANE
Dylan FRANCOURT
Liam GAVIN
Bobby GEORGE
Jack HARE-GOSS
Max HAYES
Liam HIND
Finn HOPE
Emyr JENKINS
Freddie KING
Josh LEIPER
Aneirin LEWIS
Oliver LOWE
Ben MANDERFIELD
James MARTIN
James NORRIS
William NORTON-LANE
Jack PATRICK
Eddie PIZZEY
Nathan ROGERS
Jack SAUNDERS
Ed SHARROCK
William SHEENAN
Dominic SHRIMPLING
Kaie TURNER
James TWEEDIE
Callum TWEEDIE
William WAND
Ciaran WOLVERSON
William YATES
Braedon YOUNGS
The Trials will take place at Derby RFC (Haslams Lane, Derby, DE22 1EB) on:
SUNDAY 03 FEBRUARY 2019
FROM: 16:00 – 18:00
Players should arrive in good time and have plenty of warm clothing and drinks. Please allow yourselves sufficient time to arrive, change and Register with Lee Slack (Squad Manager) so we are ready to start promptly.
The Trials will be held on the DERBY AGP, which ensures we will be able to train whatever the weather conditions.
PLAYERS NEED TO MAKE SURE THEY HAVE CLEAN BOOTS (i.e. underneath) TO PROTECT THE AGP SURFACE.
PLAYERS ARE ALSO ADVISED THAT THE APPLICATION OF BABY OIL (OR SIMILAR PRODUCT) TO KNEES CAN BE VERY BENEFICIAL IN PROTECTING AGAINST ABRASION ON THE AGP SURFACE.
The Changing Room facilities will be open to us for the afternoon.
As this is a Trial, FOOD WILL NOT BE PROVIDED, so players and parents are advised to bring whatever nourishment and drink they and the players may need for the duration of the event.
If anyone has any queries regarding the Trials, please contact the Squad Manager (Lee Slack on 07739 295 182 or at [email protected])
Lee Slack
NLD U20s Squad announced for Jason Leanord Cup
January 31st, 2019 by Katherine WellsThe NLD U20 squad to play East Midlands at Newark RFC on Sunday 3rd February , has been announced.
NLD really appreciate the support from clubs and universities putting players forward for this season’s division 1 under RFU U20 counties campaign.
Matt Derbyshire, Head Coach, said; “NLD U20s have announced an exciting squad ahead of our first competitive game.
Excellent preparation and attendance at training camps have impressed the coaches who have great confidence in what is a clearly talented squad.
If you are able to support the three counties side, kickoff is 2:30pm at Newark, for what will be a testing and hopefully thrilling test.”
Forwards
James Bennet – Corsairs RFC
Natt Brisco – West Bridgford RFC
Jordan Butcher – Spalding RFC
John Cook Rogers – Melbourne RFC
George Harris – West Bridgford RFC
Dan Lamb – Nottingham Trent University
Jonny Morley – Belper RFC
Olly Overman – Derby RFC and Nottingham Trent University
George Pomfret – Lincoln RFC
Xander Purcell – West Bridgford RFC
Josh Sarsfield – Scunthorpe RFC
Will Spendlove – Nottingham University
Backs
Rob Aikman – Nottingham University
Joe Barnes – Corsairs
Josh Beech – Melbourne RFC
Josh Bloomfield – Nottingham Trent University
Andy Brown – West Bridgford RFC and Leeds Beckett University
Harry Clempson – Nottingham Trent University
Iago Davies – West Bridgford RFC and Loughborough University
Hugo Kellaway – Nottingham University
Finlay Tweedie – Newark RFC and Nottingham Trent University
Will Taylor – Paviors RFC
Travelling reserves
Logan Watt – Newark RFC
Will Helliwell – Melton Mowbray RFC
Former England Performance Coach at Long Eaton RFC
January 30th, 2019 by Katherine WellsFormer England Performance Coach, Russell Earnshaw, will be bringing The Magic Academy to Long Eaton RFC on 8th March.
Click here for full details and to book tickets for the event.
NLD U16s v Staffordshire U16s
January 23rd, 2019 by Katherine WellsMatch report by Adrian Taylor
Sunday 20th January 2019
The U16’s first proper fixture saw them take on Staffordshire at Derby RFC on the new all-weather pitch. Luckily the drizzle in the air on arrival soon stopped and the match was played in still, dry, over-cast conditions.
NLD started brightly, recycling quick ball for the backs, but Staffs took control for most of the first half keeping NLD pinned in their own 22. Then, at about 25 minutes in, Roman Priestley-Nangle broke out of our half with a massy run taking him to within yards of the Staffs line. A great tackle prevented him scoring, but quick ball resulted in a George Park taking the ball in space to open the scoring. The conversion went over and against the run of play NLD led 7-0.
Soon after, the backs, with confidence growing put a flowing move together with Ethan Heath-Drury cutting back inside to score, not converted. Half-time saw NLD leading 12-0, which in no way reflected the amount of possession Staffs had.
Following a good team chat at half time the second half saw more direct running from NLD putting pressure on the Staffs defence and this resulted in a loose kick being taken by our winger who ran it straight back, and with quick ball being sent wide to the other wing, Daniel Stokes scored an unconverted try.
With heads up, NLD kept up the pressure, and with the penalty count rising for Staffs, a penalty kicked perfectly into the corner led to a clean lineout drive being set up but Staffs, to their credit, stopped the drive perfectly, but NLD rolled off and fed quick ball to our 10 who chipped through for Cormac Calnan to touch down almost under the posts, making an easy conversion.
Not to be out done, Staffs came back at NLD well and a great passing move saw them score their first converted try.
Growing in confidence, Staffs started to run the ball, but a missed pass saw Josh Clarke gather the loose ball and run through to score a converted try under the posts.
With time running out NLD keep up the pressure and scored the final try of the match in the corner with Jack Hinks picking up from the base of a 5 metre scrum and again quick ball saw Ben Hart dive over to score.
Final score NLD 36 Staffs 7
Big thank you to our hosts Derby RFC, and the Referee and his assistants from NLDRFURS.
Next fixture is on Sunday 3rd February at Derby RFC; 2pm KO against Eastern Counties, on the new all-weather pitch.