NLD U18s

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

Forwards’ 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.

The final match in the Midlands Pool saw NLD face Staffordshire on the 4G pitch at Warwick School, with snow blanketing the ground.

NLD started strongly, playing with determination and steadily pushing into Staffordshire’s half, in an evenly matched contest, with both sides probed for weaknesses. A deft kick from Daniel Woodward forced Staffordshire into conceding a penalty on their 10-metre line. Executing a move straight from the training ground, Spencer Syme-Nicholson charged forward, only to be held just short of the line. The ball was recycled, with Marcel Balambilayi making another powerful attempt to cross, but Staffordshire’s defence held firm. Finally, the ball was spread wide to Joe Foston, who finished the play with the game’s opening try. Wilf Chenery successfully converted, putting NLD ahead 7–0.

Staffordshire pushed to get on terms and a mistimed jump by NLD gave Staffordshire a penalty on the 10-metre line, which was quickly taken. Recycling the ball, Staffordshire’s prop powered through to score, and the successful conversion levelled the game at 7–7.

NLD regained their rhythm with a well-executed lineout, expertly thrown by hooker Mateusz Dogiel. The ball was spread wide and carried forward, but Staffordshire managed to strip possession before NLD reclaimed it. From there, Henry Allen stormed downfield with impressive speed, evading several tackles before being brought down just short of the try line. Another clever kick from Daniel Woodward narrowly missed connecting with Sam Christie. Playing advantage, NLD quickly took the penalty, and Jack Warr stormed through the Staffordshire line to score. Chenery added the extras, restoring NLD’s lead at 14–7.

Staffordshire again pressed and NLD was again penalised for an early jump during a lineout on the halfway line. Despite supporters’ protests, Staffordshire took advantage, gaining valuable ground from the penalty. Choosing not to contest the lineout, NLD allowed Staffordshire to form a maul. Unfortunately, NLD was deemed to have collapsed the maul near the line, resulting in a penalty try for Staffordshire, levelling the score at 14–14.

From the restart, NLD pressured Staffordshire into an error. A dominant scrum by NLD’s restructured pack followed, but a knock-on allowed Staffordshire to clear. After forcing another error, Staffordshire’s No. 8 powered forward to establish a strong platform. Playing under advantage, Staffordshire completed the move to take the lead for the first time in the match, 14–21.

Staffordshire’s final score of the first half came from a well-executed lineout and maul combination, spreading the ball wide for a decisive try and conversion, extending their lead to 14–28.

The second half began with NLD kicking off, but Staffordshire immediately went on the offensive. An uncontested lineout provided them with a platform for phase play, resulting in an early try and conversion to make it 14–35.

Injuries to the front row forced NLD to rotate their pack, using their final forward substitutions. Despite this setback, NLD’s scrums remained competitive.

As the match wore on, Staffordshire capitalised on NLD’s fatigue and dwindling replacements. Sustained defensive efforts from NLD eventually faltered, allowing Staffordshire to breach the line and run in two late tries due to errors compounded by the freezing conditions on NLD’s 5-metre line sealed the final scoreline, with Staffordshire ending the match victorious.

Despite the final scoreline, the game was evenly matched, but the lack of replacements once again proved decisive for NLD. Nevertheless, the remaining players fought valiantly, representing NLD with determination against the seemingly relentless resources of the other counties.