NLD U18s

The squad is managed by Adrian Taylor, who also manages the NLD U17s squad thus ensuring continuity as players progress.

Head Coach is Chris Conroy from Scunthorpe RFC – he has worked at NLD U16s previously and is part of the Tigers DPP program.

Forward Coach is Dan Coen from Newark RFC – also part of the DPP program and has coached at various levels for Club and NLD.

Backs Coach is Peter Haskell from Mansfield RFC – also part of the DPP program and has coached at various levels for Club and NLD.

If any other coaches want to come along and help at our sessions as part of their personal development, please contact Adrian for dates and venues.

The NLD match-day squad travelled to Stourbridge RFC for their Midlands Pool match against East Midlands. The conditions were excellent, with the 4G pitch and warm weather setting the stage for a competitive encounter.

East Midlands struck early, exploiting an overload on the wing to breach NLD’s defence and open the scoring, 0–5. Despite this setback, NLD quickly regrouped. Their forwards began to dominate possession, earning a penalty on the opposition’s 5m line. A well-executed move straight from the training ground saw Oscar Birkbeck dive over for the try, with Wilf Chenery converting to give NLD a deserved lead, 7–5.

Buoyed by their momentum, NLD continued to apply pressure after the restart. Sustained attacks paid off when Wilf Chenery capitalised on a gap in the corner, crossing for another try, which he also converted to extend the lead to 14–5.

As the game settled, East Midlands found their rhythm, gaining ground and eventually responding with a try after a powerful run, narrowing the scoreline to 14–10. Shortly after, an infringement near the East Midlands try line handed the visitors a lifeline. A quick penalty saw them race up field for a try and conversion, flipping the lead, 14–17.

NLD struggled to contain East Midlands’ growing confidence, conceding two more tries before halftime as defensive lapses were punished, leaving the score at 14–30.

The second half began with East Midlands determined to build on their momentum. Although NLD’s defence initially held firm, fatigue began to take its toll. Limited substitutions hampered NLD’s ability to contain the pace of the game, and East Midlands exploited an overlap on the wing to notch the first points of the half, 14–35.

NLD battled hard, successfully holding a lineout maul. However, East Midlands peeled off the maul to score again, followed quickly by another wing try, stretching the lead to 14–47. A quick-tap penalty exposed NLD’s tiring defence further, as East Midlands crossed the whitewash once more, making it 14–52.

Despite the mounting scoreline, NLD showed tremendous grit and determination in the closing stages. A well-executed scrum provided a platform for phase play, culminating in a final try, showcasing NLD’s resilience and refusal to give up.

The match ended 19–52.

Post-Match Summary

Though the scoreline suggests a one-sided contest, the match was fiercely contested. East Midlands capitalised effectively on NLD’s defensive gaps, particularly on the wings, while fatigue and a lack of replacements played a significant role in the outcome.

Positives and Areas for Improvement:

Scrums: Solid and competitive, despite challenges from East Midlands’ technique.

Offloads: Effective initial offloads; however, follow-up support was often missing.

Lineouts: Communication needs improvement. Decisions must be clear and consistent.

Defensive Line: Players need to resist ball-chasing, as this created gaps that East Midlands exploited.

Fitness and Depth: Greater squad depth and stamina will be essential in future matches.

Despite the challenges, NLD showcased moments of brilliance and a fighting spirit. With two weeks to prepare for their next match against Leicestershire at Leicester Forest, the team has a clear focus on areas to develop.

The second match in the Midlands Pool saw NLD face a formidable Leicestershire side under the floodlights at Leicester Forest RFC’s 4G pitch. Once again, NLD travelled with limited resources, making the challenge even greater.

The match kicked off in excellent conditions, but NLD was immediately put under pressure by Leicestershire. With penetrating runs and creative play, Leicestershire dominated possession as NLD struggled to gain territory. Despite the valiant efforts of the NLD players, Leicestershire ran in five tries during the first half, leaving the score at 5–0.

The second half continued in a similar vein, with Leicestershire relentlessly attacking the NLD line. The lack of replacements began to take its toll on NLD, but an individual moment of brilliance from Daniel Woodward turned the tide. Intercepting a loose pass, Woodward stormed through from 22 metres out to score under the posts, securing NLD’s first try of the match. Wilf Chenery successfully added the conversion.

NLD’s second try came from a quick tap by Mateusz Dogiel, who charged at the Leicestershire line with Spencer Syme-Nicholson in close support. This created a solid platform for scrum-half Sean Roberts to slice through the defence and score. Once again, Wilf Chenery converted, adding the extra points.

Post-Match Summary

The NLD forwards delivered a sterling performance, contesting every scrum against a significantly heavier Leicestershire pack. Despite the lack of replacements, their fighting spirit and determination were commendable. Lineouts showed marked improvement, and the squad’s resilience shone through as they competed fiercely against a strong Leicestershire side.