Manager: John Humphreys

Head Coach: Paul Bailey

Assistant Coaches: Heath Barnes, Jeremy Johnson

First Aid: John Humphries

Contact: gro.sregitmahnetlehc|reganam31u#gro.sregitmahnetlehc|reganam31u

NEW SEASON STARTS SUNDAY 5th SEPTEMBER - 10am - 12noon at NEWLANDS

Take a look at some of the season's best photos on our Facebook site
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Cheltenham Finish the Season with a Flourish

Stratford Tournament

Having used all of our bad bard puns in the last report we were at a loss as to what theme to adopt for this write-up. End of season delirium seemed to have affected John and Alan who arrived at the ground insisting that we integrate Demis Roussos and Nana Mouskouri into the report. Fortunately the boys made sure that the rugby did the talking so you are spared this Greek tragedy…….

**Game 1

Cheltenham v Stratford
25-5**

Having played on a full pitch the week previously and won easily, the big question was whether we would repeat that easy win.

The first half was certainly not going to see Cheltenham accelerating away despite spending 90% of the time in Stratford’s twenty two. Wave after wave of Cheltenham pressure could not convert into scores, due either to limited width on the tiny pitch or the dwarfishly proportioned try zone.

With limited room to play in the game was likely to be physical and early on Rossco indulged in some handbags.

Eric was almost in on two occasions and the Reds had numerous opportunities held up when over the oppositions try line. It looked like Cheltenham would end the half unrewarded when Dan burst into the line at a great angle and collected a great offload from Henry. 5-0.

The second half was much in the same vein with Cheltenham camped in Stratford territory but the backs seemed to have got used to having less space to work to and in a reversal of the first try Dan made great ground before releasing Henry for try number two.

Cheltenham did have to do their fair share of defending in this game and they did it well. After a great tackle from Sam J caused a knock on the Tigers had a scrum. From clean ball Toby swooped into the line from full-back and was unstoppable. 15-0

Strafford would not lie down and a strong tackle from Callum was required to stop a cheeky move down the blind side. Cheltenham conceded a number of penalties as Stratford pressed when they looked certain to be in with an overlap Eric produced a wonderful try saving tackle.

Jay then made his impression on the game, first with a break down the blind side and then winning a hook against the head. The resulting ball was fed to Henry who produced a great individual piece of running rugby covering half of the pitch with half of the Stratford team desperately holding onto him. Ultimately all of their efforts were futile and he powered in for try 4.

Stratford did get a richly deserved consolation try but the Tigers asserted themselves again immediately from the kick off when Toby put in a rattling tackle on the ball gatherer and Charlie Miles was quick to pick up the spilled ball. From the resulting ruck Sam J was swift to pick up and pop over for try 5.

Right at the end of the game, Will Davis suffered a nasty injury, most probably breaking his wrist. All of our best wishes are with him and we hope to see him back recovered and eager next season.

Game2
Cheltenham v Birmingham & Solihull
35-0

Sam J kicked off and the Brummie winger caught the ball and Ryan at the same time – receiving a flattening for his trouble. Cheltenham won the ball back via Charlie N who recycled it well and Eric finished off in the corner for try one. This set the tone for most of the match as Cheltenham continued to press, some good interplay from Toby and Eric kept the ball moving as the Tigers pressed for the 3rd try which we believed we had but Ryan unfortunately overran the deadball line ( was Toby watching?). The Tigers were dominating the scrums and winning the ball against the head with Charlie N hooking well and with Coner driving us forward. More good handling saw Rodd* in for a comfortable try in the corner. Coner continued to impress and had his best half of the season and with Josh joining in the melee we won ball after ball and from the ruck. Sam J did a lovely little sidestep and sprinted away for try number 3. Cheltenham continued to press, played some wonderful running rugby and would have scored more tries but for the final pass going astray. A controversy raised its ugly head as Finley claimed he had been sacked as water boy only for Heath to reinstate him immediately – we are unsure if a tribunal will follow.

• the observant of you will have spotted that we do not have a “Rodd” in our side, but that is what is says in my notes and I have no idea who really scored it – sorry.

More smooth running and interplay from the backs gave Eric the space for try number 4. A quintessential Cameron charge from mid-field sucked in the Brummie defence opening acres of space which Dan used to his advantage for try 5.

The 2nd half started with Josh in a grappling mood and with support from Coner the pack drove up field and from close in Toby J picked up and made the final yards for try 6. Callum started to get into the game well and came close to a try on more than one occasion as we were held up time and again. There was a plaintive cry from Heath of “No, no , no..” as Toby B became a ball-carrying-forward for a penalty. It soon became “ yes, yes, yes” as he powered over for try 7. Henry, who had been quiet by his standards gathered the ball and went off on one of his sprints and what looked like a certain try for Toby was foiled when he realised that without his glasses he had touched down on the wrong line.

The game drifted towards a conclusion with Sam K breaking away from the ruck, and made good yards up field before being floored by a high tackle. Final score 35-0.
Jasper Carrot, Bill Oddie, J R Tolkein, Tony Hancock..your boys took one hell of a beating, you were lucky to get nil.
Game 3
v Pockington
55-5

Cheltenham kicking off the last game of the season in their last tournament with hopes high of a clean sweep. It was a bit of a messy start , but after some good tackling from Eric, Cameron was soon on the charge driving forwards, creating the overlap for Dan to open the scoring. Great interplay from the backs again and Henry had the space to sprint away for try number two. Ryan started to get into the game and was prominent in his tackling and running strongly only for Pockington to wrest the ball back and drive up field. Again the red’s defence was immense and from his own line Toby put up a speculative kick which Pockington let bounce and Toby doing what all good coaches tell him had chased the ball and was on hand to score try number three. The Tigers continued to dominate with Henry making constant sniping, tackle-dodging runs and from a 5 yard scrum Sam J scurried over for try 4.

Cheltenham continued to press with Henry again having a strong run only to be just foiled and pushed into touch. The scrum started to assert itself and a strike against the head and slick movement from the backs put Eric in for try number 5.

The first half drifted to a close and was only enlivened by Henry playing chesty-bouncy with the full back and coming off 2nd best ( for once).

At the start of the 2nd half the Tigers were immediately on the attack with a great catch from Dan and a huge overlap for Henry to take try number 6. Pockington showed some mettle and with sustained pressure they moved the ball up field and continued to press, finally being rewarded with their first and only try.

The Tigers came straight back with Coner running strongly up field, getting close but just denied a try. Then another kick from Pockington was allowed to bounce in the Cheltenham half and mass confusion in the ranks gave the opposition a 5m scrum. Once again our defence was outstanding with Henry eventually kicking clear. From the resulting line out the ball was moved quickly leaving Dan the room to drive forward for try number 7. This was soon followed by a jinking run from Toby up the line for number 8.

From the kick off a safe catch from Sam K started another move up field and outstanding running from Ryan led to Sam J adding try 9.

Then followed the try of the day with the rampaging rhino ( Cameron) waking from his slumbers and running from his own half unmolested for the tenth try.

Would there be more? Yes. Another fluid move lead to Dan scoring the last try of the season and the 11th of the match.

This was a great way to conclude a season which has been a resounding success. Cheltenham were tournament winners by a country mile against teams that are no mugs. Pockington were runners-up in the County Cup in Yorkshire or Lancashire or whatever dark northern land they hailed from. On the day we played and won three matches, scored 23 tries and conceded just 2.

The overall stats for the season are:

**Played 46
Won 38
Lost 5 ( Bath, Worcester, Stroud, Droitwich)
Drew 3

Tries scored 197
Tries conceded 37**

These numbers speak for themselves and show how far the team has come in a season. Congratulations to the team and to the coaches for a tremendous campaign which has been great to watch from the touchlines. Many thanks to Will Miles for his management of the team this year and for his contribution to refereeing and thanks and ood luck to John Humphreys as he takes on the manager baton.

It feels like we are building something special…we have a really strong coaching team, a group of players who play great rugby and play for each other, a group of parents who all contribute to the club and who have fun on the sidelines and a team who have had great success and can go on to even greater heights next year. Not bad ….not bad at all.

Home versus Stratford 18/4/2010

Cheltenham Tigers 48 (possibly 50) Stratford 0

Squad: Cameron ,Callum, Scott, Conor,Charliex2,Ross,Samx2,Tobyx2,Jay,Henry,Josh,Ryan,Eric,Dan and Will.
Coaches, Yorrick, Brutus & Hamlet.

In homage to our visitors we may have sneaked in some Shakespearean references, if you spot any then you are obviously more refined than the scribes.
A new day, shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Not quite but warm and bright nonetheless. This was a new experience for the boys as were playing 15 a side on a full size pitch, with a full size report as well. It was with bated breath that we waited to see if we could adapt and with the two Charlies starting as flankers we were ready for kick off. Toby B was captain and we started uphill in the first half of 20 minutes. Once more into the breach dear friends…. as Sam J kicked off. The forwards immediately took the initiative and drove up field. The ball was recycled and Eric quickly showed his speed as he sprinted round the defence for the opening score which Sam J converted. We continued to press and although the ball wasn’t quick we managed to start a typical counter attack with Henry IV (pt 1) scorching up the wing and with Toby on the overlap we were in for try 2, again converted. Stratford showed that they were made of sterner stuff and pressed hard. Once again the defence was outstanding with Dan and Charlie M to the fore and the Tigers gradually inched up the field until, following a ruck, a trademark sidestep from Sam J opened up the field and he was away for try number three, again converted. We continued on top with Ross driving powerfully forwards and although the ball got stuck in the maelstrom of feet we managed to keep it moving and from close in Charlie N burrowed over for the last score of the half which gave us a 26-0 half time score.
Brevity is the sole of wit and the half time talk was brief: “Prudence..” quoth coach Bailey, as he encouraged the team to continue its free-flowing attacking rugby, “…is a rich, ugly, old maid, courted by incapacity”. Flaming youth was the order of the day and as the sun took its toll the boys replenished their water intake in readiness for the second half. At the start of period two we continued on top and Ross looked to be away down the blindside only to be pulled up for a knock on. Soon after a wonderful break was followed by a comedy of errors as, alas poor Eric, managed to drop the ball with the line at his mercy - verily he was begat the horse’s arse. Cheltenham continued to press and from a speculative defensive clearance by Stratford Dan ran the ball back for the first try of the second half. Jay was impressing at hooker and after winning one against the head in our own twenty-two Toby gained valuable ground with a good kick up field. There then followed the try that wasn’t…. Stratford punted a penalty kicked for touch but Sam K showed great hands and agility to keep the ball in play and fed the ball out to the backs who sent Sam J away for an easy touch down, or so we thought, but somehow Stratford stopped him and recovered the ball. Fair was foul and foul was fair as they hoofed it through the fog and the filthy air.. ..straight to Charlie N who ran it back and offloaded to Toby who did ground the ball for try six. Stratford never gave up and the Tiger’s defence was sorely tested as they battered away at our line. We infringed time after time and were fortunate not to give away a penalty try, but the Reds held out and broke loose with Henry IV ( pt 2) leading the charge downfield and, having recovered the ball, broke through for Eric to cross for try 7. Again we recovered a defensive kick and Eric charged away and off loaded to Toby for our 8th and final try. Not sure how many were converted and the final score was 48 or 50 nil, either way for Stratford this was the fixture of their discontent.
Overall a good start to the brave new world of grown up rugby, although not flawless it was great to watch, it certainly augers very well for next season.

U12s Tour 2010 - Barnstaple Festival

Tigers are Champions in a Feast of Running Rugby

Squad : Sam K, Dan, Ross, Josh, Toby J, Toby K, Jay, Scott, Charlie M, Charlie N, Ryan, Eric, Henry, Cameron.

Como el tema de nuestro viaje es mexicana, pensamos que deberían publicar los informes coinciden en Español.

But just in case you can’t read Spanish here are 10 interesting facts about Mexico:
1. A Mexican tamale called the zacahuil is three feet long and weighs about 150 pounds.
2. Mexico introduced chocolate, corn, and chilies to the world.
3. Mexico is home to a very rare rabbit called the volcano rabbit which lives near Mexican volcanoes.
4. The largest wildcat in North America is the jaguar, which can be found in Mexico's southern jungles.
5. The border between Mexico and the United States is the second largest border in the world (only the U.S.-Canadian border is longer).
6. Mexican children do not receive presents on Christmas Day. They receive gifts on January 6, the day on which Mexicans celebrate the arrival of the Three Wise Men.
7. Mexico is located in the “Ring of Fire,” one of the earth’s most violent earthquake and volcano zones. This is disputed by Steve Carpenter who claimed that the Ring of Fire was located in his caravan after he ate a couple of Chris’s chillies.
8. Mexico City is built over the ruins of a great Aztec city, Tenochtitlán. Because it is built on a lake, Mexico is sinking at a rate of 6 to 8 inches a year as pumps draw water out for the city’s growing population.
9. The Chihuahua is the world’s smallest dog and is named for a Mexican state.
10. The Aztecs played ritual ball game known as tlachtli in which the losers were often sacrificed to the gods. This was the origins of the Tour Court but a tad more brutal.
Day 1

After a licht night enjoying the delights of the local bar, we woke to a sunny and warm day (Alan’s version). After a night which involved cider, Guinness, Tequila and JagerSlammers I awoke without any sight and convinced that I had been imprisoned in a deep freeze (Steve’s version).

The first surprise of the morning was seeing Steve Short driving the 50yards to the shop…must be age related.

We set off for the ground and, having gone three times round the ring road and twice over the bridge, we secured an ambulance escort to the ground only to be redirected to the pay and display at the local civic centre. So after a brief hike across the foot bridge over the River Tawe we arrived at the ground. As you know, we Tigers hate to complain about car parking arrangements so we will just let it lie…

Game 1 v Swansea Uplands
25 v 0

It was a good hard start with the Tigers putting the Swansea team under immense pressure resulting in Charlie Miles crossing for the first try of the game.

A solid scrum and a short, pop pass from Sam K released Eric who sprinted half the length of the pitch for number 2. Cheltenham continued to dominate and good communication in the backs saw play switched to the blind side and Henry scuttled away for the third touchdown. The pack continued to hit hard, winning plenty of turnover ball and Josh the Gripper was in the midst of the action, but at half-time the score sat at 15-0.
Swansea started the second half strongly but were driven back by Cameron with some outstanding tackling. He further enhanced his man of the match domination with a typical barnstorming run, off-loading to Charlie N who unselfishly fed Scott who crossed in the corner for try number 4. The Tigers continued to press with Eric striking fear into the Swansea defence every time he had the ball in hand and it was not long before, following more sumptuous ball movement, Charlie Miles scored again to cap a great team performance. Final score 25-0.

The Horse’s Arse Man of the Match award and complimentary toilet seat was awarded to Mr Cameron Sanders.

Game 2
Cheltenham v Hove
35 v 5

After a longer than anticipated hiatus, during which the kids fuelled themselves on pop and ice-cream and the adults felt their heads thaw, we were back on and picked up where we left off…the first scrum was won against the head and Sam, with great vision, fed Eric on the blind side and The Streak simply put his foot on the accelerator and crossed for try 1.

Cheltenham were by now really moving the ball at speed and with confidence and when Toby B drew two tackles and popped the ball to Ryan, Cheltenham were 10-0 to the good.

Minutes later Sam K showed strength and guile in defence and ripped the ball in the tackle before crossing for try number 3.

Hove were struggling to cope with the Tigers pace and power, but did manage a dangerous looking break in the Red’s twenty-two, however, unfortunately for Hove they chose to run into Toby B who took the man, then the ball and then ran fully three-quarters of the field for a wonderful individual try.

Cheltenham were soon back in Hove territory and when Sam tidied up a messy ball from the line-out, Charlie Miles burst down the blind side and made the hard yards before presenting Cameron with the egg and his easiest try of the tournament.25-0.

Hove eventually gained some reward for their tenacity when from a tap penalty a couple of metres out they were able to breach the red’s defence. This was to be the briefest of respite’s as seconds after the restart Cheltenham were again moving the ball sweetly through the backs and some rapid recycling from Eric fed Henry for try number 6.

For the final try of the game Henry turned provider when after a strong run down the line he put Dan in for the seventh and final try of the game.

A comprehensive 35-5 victory and Mr Carling Parkinson was the deserved recipient of the now slightly warm toilet seat and the coveted Equine Derrière crown.

Game 3 - Swansea again (a feeling of déjà vu)
25 v 0
The return match looked a tougher prospect against a rejuvenated Welsh side. Manager Miles looked dapper as the cowboy linesman complete with flag. It was a good start from Cheltenham with Toby having a dash. The forwards started to impose themselves and were held up 5 metres short. From their scrum Sam drove forward and off-loaded to Ryan who scored from close range (just as his mum arrived). Swansea came back strongly and Cheltenham’s defence was put to the test, but the Tigers performed like panthers. Cheltenham had to wait a little for their next score but when it came it was a lovely move from a line-out with a sweet miss-pass giving Eric the space to score and relieve the pressure. Eric and Toby then combined with a clever loop which lead to a third try.
Dan finished off another flowing move with a well deserved fourth, unanswered score and there was still time for Josh to score a trademark burrow-over from 2metres out.
A resounding 25-0 victory.

Game 4 Barnstable A
20 v 0

The heat and the toils of battle were by this time taking their toll on the Tigers with players falling like flies. Toby B had to sit this one out with an ankle injury but Toby J had recovered from having his head glued back together and was soon in the action flooring the referee in the most entertaining moment of the game.

From one of the first line-outs Ross showed good hands and awareness and slid the ball to Scott who fed the increasingly prolific Henry: 5-0. Concern on the touchline as Sam has to retire hurt with another ankle injury but Ryan stepped in to the scrum half role and immediately moved the ball to Eric for our second score. There was time for a crowd pleasing Ussain Bolt-like burst from Cameron but this time Barnstaple were resolute in their defence.

Good pressure from Cheltenham kept Barnstable pinned back, they relieved with a good, deep defensive kick but unfortunately for them it went straight to Henry Gonzalez who ran it back in at them for try 3. He made it 4 seconds later with a penetrating burst down the blind side.

Game 5 Barnstable A
20 v 5

Final game of the day. Could we finish 5 nil – read on to find out? Scrappy start with forwards grappling manfully and camped out on Barnstable’s line. Good work by Josh then Cam picked up and drove over from close in for the first try. Cheltenham continued to impress running the ball with Ryan and Eric showing good hands and passing well. Cheltenham continued to be in the ascendency. Cameron was inspired, hitting the maul hard, driving Barum back and with Josh grappling for England we held the ball for long periods but could not add to the score in the first half.
Second half: Cheltenham continued to be on top with good work from forwards and came agonisingly close when Dan and Scott combined. The Tigers continued to press and Cameron - on a thousand pound promise if he could score 3 tries - gave Steve Carpenter palpitations by scoring his second try. Cheltenham appeared to be flagging and were hanging on for dear life as Barum fought back until a wayward kick from Barum was gathered by Henry on our own goal line and rather than taking the easy option he went off on a sprint, teaming up with Eric who flipped it back inside to Henry who continued up field and presented a well timed pass to Ryan who crossed in the corner for the best try of the day.
Barnstable did not give up and kept battering away and were justly rewarded with a try from close in. Once again the Tigers showed their resilience and Josh once again tore the ball away from the Barum forwards and offloaded to Henry for our 4th and final try.

Following 5 games of rugby we decided the sensible thing would be to retire to the beach for …another game of rugby. Of course with dads and lads playing it was always going to be a gentle affair. The final score was one ripped shirt, one mild concussion and several brutal haematomas.

Day 2

Decidedly cooler this morning – we must have a word with Darren and ask him to turn the thermostat up.

Game 6
v Barnstaple Blues
10 v 0

Sam kicks off and would Cheltenham be up for the game – quick answer Yes – they carried on from where they left off yesterday. Some good movement and strong forwards the ball was made available to Ross who showed power and pace and crossed for his first try of the tournament. This was not to be an easy game with Barum putting pressure on a Tigers team that was still waking up, but good defensive kicking from Ryan and resolute play from the pack enabled us to keep the slender lead till half time.

The start of the second half was also tight, however, when a Barnstaple defensive clearance was gathered by Eric their coach was heard to say “oh no, not him” and his angst was proven justified as Eric ran in the second try from 50m out.

Cheltenham looked like they were in for a third try but strong defence from Barum held then up 5m out. Henry took a nasty studding to the knee in the line of duty and had to retire from the game, but the team were in control and saw out the remainder of the game for a 10-0 win. Six wins out of six.

Game 7
v Hove
45 v 0

Injury management was going to be the key from this point on and Henry was confined to the sidelines as he tried to recover for the final. Interestingly the referee admitted before the kick off that he had consumed the best part of a bottle of Jack Daniels the previous evening. This might account for him missing the small bout of handbags that occurred when Jay elected to take the rules of the game into his own hands meat out some punishment to an unlucky opposition player.

The Tigers confidence was high and they showed no sign of tired legs. From the off Toby gathered and made good ground, two fast phases later and Charlie Miles was in for score one. Soon after Toby was in for another score of his own after a great gather and run from Charlie and some hard yards made by Dan before the offload.

By now we were running with abandon and when Eric gathered the ball he opened his legs and showed us his class ( homage to David Coleman), shrugging off a high tackle on his way to a 75m individual run and try.

At this point the match reporter was struggling to keep up and there was smoke coming from the end of his pen.

The running rugby was a delight to behold and the next move saw great interplay between Charlie N and Eric who released Charlie M for another try.

Mr Humphreys was next on the score sheet when, after a tight scrum Sam drew the first tackle and popped the ball outside. 25-0 at half time.

Finley did a sterling job at the half time and earned the accolade of best water boy in the west.

More of the same in the second period and defence turned quickly to attack with the gazelle-like Toby blitzing up the line for try 6.

Tigers were dominant in all areas of play and when Charlie N stole a hook against the head Sam drew two tackles and Toby, running a lovely line was in for yet another try. The unstoppable Josh ripped and rumbled, then fed the back line a ball which Scott gratefully accepted and finished of well.

The Tigers saved the best try of the tournament for the last move of the game. From the breakdown Sam moved the ball through Charlie N, who moved it out to Ross and put Eric in for a sweet score that had the coaches and parents purring with delight.

Game 8
Barnstaple A (the B team - you figure it out)
30-0

With injuries really starting to take their toll we agreed to play a 12 man game. This meant that Charlie Newhall had a debut at outside centre and was in the game straight away as he sped away like a cat with his tail on fire to open the scoring in the first minute. From the restart Ryan picked up passed to Dan who sped away to score from the half way line. It quietened down then after a frenetic start with Cam waking up nicely and softening up the opposition with some hard hits. From a maul Sam spun the ball out to Ryan who unselfishly passed to Ross for the easiest try of the day. More changes of personnel as Henry came on with a rather dashing strapping and a rather more concerning blue mouth. The forwards reasserted their dominance giving space to Toby so he could stroll in for try 4 just before half time.

Finley the magnificent once more dashed on with the liquids.
A messy start to the second half with Barnstaple gaining space till good tackling from Scott stopped them in their tracks. Jay also had a very good game in the front row and was aggressive in attack and resolute in defence. Oops..we lost another player – down to 11. Charlie Newhall dashed away again but could not quite make the line but from the resulting maul another flowing move from 5 yards out and the ball was spread for Eric to score try 5.

Just to spice things up Toby J came of injured and we were down to 10 players. In spite of this another lovely piece of running rugby and some natty side steps from Eric gave us try 6.

The coaches thought it would be nice to finish the game with a full side so Toby B and Charlie M came back on just as the ref blew his whistle.

THE FINAL

So to the final, which would be against Barnstaple B, no Swansea, no as you were it’s against the hosts.

The crowd were tense, the coaches were tense and it was a very tight game. So tight in fact that Alan’s fingers were shaking so much that his notes on the first half were illegible and he gave up at half time.

Nerves were settled when Toby burst through for the first score, but the boys had clearly decided to give their parents a tense time and a rejuvenated Barnstable had equalised within 2 minutes.

Sweet and simple direct running rugby gave Eric his 10th try of the tournament and Cheltenham were a try up at the break.

For much of the second period Cheltenham were under pressure in their own twenty two and had to soak up wave after wave of pressure from a series of penalties which were somewhat dubiously awarded. Eventually the continuous pressure paid off and the Blues had equalised.

The atmosphere on the touchline was as tight as a tight thing in particularly tight spot and Barnstable had the momentum on their side. Then up popped Cameron with a crunching defensive tackle which took the ball and man into touch. There was a lengthy break in play while one of the Barnstaple players was treated for an injury ( we hope he is well soon).
By now the tension was unbearable and most of the spectators admitted they felt sick ( no Tequila involved). Surely, victory could not be denied after such a comprehensive command of the previous games?

Well, we need not have worried, within seconds of the restart St Toby of Tries settled the game with another wonderful break and finish.

A magnificent and richly deserved end to the tournament with Cheltenham as the victors and champions. Well done to all the boys, coaches, supporters and of course the Famous Finley. Huge thanks to Darren for organising such a fantastic tour.See you next year for another extravaganza.

Final Tournament Stats
9 games played and 9 opponents slayed.
45 tries scored.
4 tries conceded

Top try scorers:
Eric 10
Toby 8
Henry 6
Charlie M 4

County Cup Finals 28th March 2010

On a beautiful day we set off for the finals day being held at Chosen Hill. We saw more of the countryside than we bargained for as we managed to get lost on route, I blame my navigator, and by the time we arrived we were struggling to park anywhere. After a bracing trek we arrived at the ground to find out that we were playing our nemesis Stroud, bah. The pitch looked in good order and ideal for some running rugby.
The squad:
Samx2,charliex2,Tobyx2,callum,Jay,Will,Henry,Thyrza,Ross,Eric,Dan,Josh,Ryan,Scott and finally Cameron.

Could we do it and beat the mighty Stroud, having come so close the previous week?
We started well gaining ground and thanks to some good mauling from Josh we retained possession. Unfortunately we couldn’t recycle the ball quickly enough and the ball got lost somewhere among the forwards for long stretches of time. Stroud started to play to their strengths, which is very direct and narrow. They were well on top with the tigers defending with all their might, Eric pulling off a try saving tackle. The pressure finally told and they deservedly opened the scoring. This was the pattern of the half (game) with Cheltenham under immense pressure and with Stroud up very quickly on the ball we were unable to recycle the ball to our backs. Our defence was outstanding again, Thyrza pulling off some good tackles. Toby B was trampled on and had to retire injured, Sam K his replacement. As the half wore on it was only a matter of time before Stroud scored again, which they duly did on the stroke of half time. The second half started with Stroud on top and more great tackling from Cameron and his forwards prevented a quick score. Stroud kept hammering away and Sam J was able to relieve the pressure with some well placed kicks. We managed to disrupt the line outs with Ross outstanding all day and this allowed Henry to embark on a mazy run. Stroud came back and after another concerted battering scored try 3 from close range. Stroud continued to press and the tigers held firm with Sam K making some safe catches. Right at the end Stroud scored a 4th try and with all four being converted ran out deserved 28-0 winners.

Cheltenham 0 Stroud 28
This game was difficult for the tigers as Stroud are a very good side that play to their strengths in their forwards. We were unable to control the ball and set up attacking platforms for our talented backs which the 3rd/4th play off highlighted very succinctly. The team never gave up and can be proud of giving Stroud such a tough game. Now over to Steve……

Cheltenham v Clifton

So, were the Tigers to lie down with the lambs or come out roaring like eer, well, Tigers? We soon got our answer as within the opening minutes a great break from Eric took play to within 5m of the Clifton line. Strong work in the ruck saw Toby Jenkins dive over the try line for the first score of the game. A great piece of defence from Charlie N then gave possession back to the Tigers and from the resulting penalty Dan looked to be away, but was bundled into touch just shy of the try line. The Tigers took the line-out against the head but a rare mistake as they looked to move the ball out wide lead to an interception and the Clifton centre ran in an equalising try.
The Tigers hit back almost immediately, winning first a line out and then a scrum against the head and when Sam J darted down the blind side he offloaded to Henry who did the hard yards before presenting Eric with the ball and a second try.
From this point on Cheltenham dominated. The crowd rose as one when Raging Bull Cameron went on the rampage and dragged most of the opposition pack half way down the field. The Tiger’s momentum was stopped when they conceded a penalty which allowed Clifton to punt the ball deep into Cheltenham territory and put Toby under pressure. but he simply gathered the ball then gained 50m in what looked like an effortless run before putting an intelligent kick over the top of the despairing Clifton defence. Henry was able to scoop the ball up and then showed great strength to take the ball and two tacklers over the line for try number 3.
Try number 4 soon followed and was the result of great creativity from Scott, Charlie M and Ryan. Coming in at a great angle Ryan crashed over for another touchdown and at half-time Cheltenham were 26-5 to the good.

The second half was more of the same as Cheltenham dominated in every area of play, with some good scrummaging and work in the loose from Jay, Josh and Will. Eric got his hat-trick try after some strong running and soon after Dan cut through the defence before popping the ball up to Sam J who finished the move off nicely.
Then followed a brief period of pressure from Clifton in which Thyrza, Sam K and Callum showcased some of the Tiger’s defensive qualities. There was just time for one more try from Henry to bring the tally to 7. Sam J kicked beautifully all afternoon with just one of his conversions going astray, so the final score was 47-5. A comprehensive victory that was a great showcase of the attacking rugby that the team is now capable of.

Cheltenham 47 – Clifton 5

So, officially the Tigers are the 3rd best team in the county a huge leap in standard in a twelve month period and an achievement that the team should be very proud of. Well done to all players and to the coaches. Finally a special thank you to the car parking stewards from Clifton who made the Cheltenham Parking Squad’s effort from the previous week look positively professional.

LandRover Tournament 2010

Squad
W Davis, J Petkovic-Short, D Bailey, R Barnes, T Bridgeman, H Carling-Parkinson, C Sanders, J Carpenter, C Allinson, R Hearn, S Humphreys, T Jenkins, S Johnson, S Kempster, C Miles, C Newhall, E White, T Peters

Group Stage

Cheltenham v Stroud

5-10

On a beautiful sunny spring day Cheltenham took on the might of Stroud in the first game of the tournament. Ryan signalled his intent from the whistle with a crunching tackle from the kick off that made the catcher’s teeth rattle. The first sorties were even until Dan ripped the ball and dived over to open the scoring.

Stroud fought back and with some slick ball play that kept Cheltenham on the back foot. After a period of pressure when Cheltenham simply could not get their hands on the ball, Stroud drove ever to even the scores at half-time.

The 2nd half vacillated between kicking ping pong and some dogged battles between the two sets of forwards. Good grappling and ripping from Josh and Cameron lead to a breakout from which a slick movement of the ball down the line and strong running from Toby saw him cross the line for what looked like a beautiful try. Alas, the gods of luck were not smiling on the Tigers and the try was disallowed as the dead ball line had been overrun. A cruel piece of bad luck.
Buoyed on by this lucky escape Stroud fought back and after some sustained pressure drove over for a winning try with the last play of the game. This was a match that the Tigers did not deserve to lose, but unfortunately the final score read Cheltenham 5 Stroud 10.

Cheltenham v Widden OB

10-0

After the disappointment of losing the first game the team needed to gather itself and show what they were made of in the next two ties.

Cheltenham showed attacking intent from the first whistle, but the crowd had their hearts in their mouths when Widden seemed to be clear through from an intercepted pass as the Tigers tried to create quick ball. Fortunately, the referee has spotted the Widden backline infringing in an offside position and awarded a penalty to Cheltenham. Flash Barnes took the crash ball from the tap powerfully forward and Eric showed good dexterity to pick up and cross for the first try. Cheltenham dominated from then on with out ever getting the cushion they wanted to assure victory.

From a deep kick by Ryan, Sam J was unlucky to be held up and, after some good play in the loose by prop Toby, Tigers were awarded a penalty for a high tackle. In the dying seconds of the fist half Henry looked to be in but had the ball knocked out of his hands just before he could put it down.,

At the start of het 2nd half Widden conceded another penalty, this time for a handoff in the tackle ( we won’t see that next season) and fast ball from the crash allowed Scott H to make good ground and win Cheltenham a scrum 5metres out.

After further offensive running by Scott, Sam J picked up nimbly and put in Eric for a decisive second try. Final Score Cheltenham 10 Widden OB 0.

Cheltenham v Cirencester

The Tigers started strongly passing the ball through the backs and making good ground before Cirencester won the ball back and using their forwards rumbled towards the line. Charlie N showed some good defensive qualities and would not let go of the ball. Solid defence by the whole pack allowed Sam to relieve the pressure with some good kicking. Cheltenham won the ball back and great ball retention by Scott and good recycling opened the gap for Toby to score in the corner. The game became a little bogged down in midfield until Charlie M working hard wrestled the ball from Cirencester; passing to Sam J who went on won of his dinking runs and very nearly scored a fine individual try. From the resulting scrum Toby had the easiest walk in for try number 2. Half time 10—0.

A good start to the 2nd half with solid scrummaging and some great passing from the backs with beautifully timed release from Sam J gave Toby his hat trick. Cheltenham were now completely on top in all phases of play and another smooth back move and slick offload from Toby gave Eric the opportunity to slide into the corner for a 4th try.

Cheltenham continued to dominate the match and continued to move the ball at speed along the backs and came close on more than one occasion to scoring a fifth try. They kept pressing and a strong run from Dan lead to him scoring the final try as Tigers ran out 25-0 winners.

Unfortunately, neither Widden nor Cirencester could get any change out of Stroud, who progressed to the knock out stage as group winners with Cheltenham in 2nd. The Tigers can harness their disappointment and focus it on creating a winning performance in next week’s County Cup Semi-Final.

Cheltenham v Thornbury

65-5

Squad: Eric, Charlie M, Charlie N, Toby, Callum, Scott, Ryan, Cameron, Sam J, Sam K, Josh, Conor, Thyrza, Dan, Ross, Jay, Ryan

Thornbury had made the journey down the M5 with a very large squad of 26 players, which meant we had 4 quarters of 15 minutes of play in store to ensure all of their players got a good run out.

As has become customary, Cheltenham got off to a strong start and within the opening moments Eric was in for the first try of the morning. Thornbury came back well and moved the ball around nicely but their kick through was a move too far and once in the hands of Toby the second score was on the board. Shortly after this the Tigers were three tries to the good with Sam J picking up and darting over the line.

The Tigers seemed to have stepped up a level in their line out play this week and it was from a neatly won and swiftly moved line out ball that Dan cruised in for his first and Cheltenham’s fourth try. The quartet of Dan, Ross, Cameron and Josh dominated the line-out all match demonstrating how the Reds can really now use this part of the game as a platform for attacking, creative rugby. Jay also showed his versatility and more than held his own in the lock position as the coaches experimented with positions.

The play was all Cheltenham and Conor was unlucky to be denied a score when he was just held up in the corner. This was shortly followed by the highlight of the game…seeking to avoid/catch a ball that had been punted into touch one of our match reporters lost footing in the treacherous conditions and swallow dived gracefully into the mud. Far too gracious to draw attention to and increase the embarrassment of a fellow spectator the incident passed with little comment. More importantly spurred on by this act of aged athleticism from his father, Charlie Newhall dived in for a fifth score following some fluent, running rugby in the backs.

25-0 at the end of the first period.

The Tigers started the second period by conceding a penalty. Unfortunately, Thornbury were unable to capitalise and gave advantage back to the Tigers by kicking the ball over the dead-ball line. From the resulting scrum Sam J fed Toby who floated down the touchline and scored in the corner. The same partnership combined again within a minute of the restart to take the try tally to 7.

Scott Humpreys was without doubt having his best game of the season and a wonderful piece of play that saw the ball move from Scott to Dan, back to Scott then to Charlie Newhall was deserving of a try, but spoiled by a knock-on. From the resulting scrum it was Scott again who did the hard work and presented the ball to Sam J for try number 8.

With the referee struggling in the mud in a pair of pumps and (perhaps) seeking to even the contest a little Cheltenham were penalised for a series of indiscretions. A courageous tackle from Sam J to stop a Thornbury crash penalty proved effective but also brought about the end of the scrum-half’s contribution to the game with a shoulder injury – another great performance from Sam.

The Tigers conceded a further 3 penalties in their own twenty-two and eventually the inevitable Thornbury try came, much to the noticeable chagrin of Coach Barnes. With this, THornbury became only the second side to score a try against Cheltenham in 2010,

With Sam J substituted Ryan took up duties at number 9 and acquitted himself very well. The next passage of play was perhaps the best in the match, Ross won the line out against the head and the ball was moved sweetly and swiftly to Eric on the right wing. When he was held up the ball was moved equally flowingly back across the width and Sam K was unlucky to be tipped into touch before he could touch down. Great rugby, which was rewarded swiftly when from the resulting line out Dan crashed over for try number nine.

The third period of play began scrappily with the most notable incident being a wonderful take on the touch line by Steve, who this time managed to stay on his feet. Scott Humphreys continued to run hard and distribute the ball well and from another sweet, flowing move he put Thyrza in for a score in the corner. It was a travesty of justice, given his performance, that Scott was not rewarded with a try but he should be very pleased with having played an assisting role in many of the tries today.

After some more solid play by the forwards and some good tidying up from Sam K, Charlie Newhall was presented with the ball a few meters from the line and showed great strength to cross to make it 55-5.

Into the final period of play and more of the same. With the ball again being moved wide Callum saw some action on the right wing and made some good ground before Ryan created a great angle for Eric who easily took the chance for another score. This was swiftly followed by a great, bursting Charlie Miles break from which Sam K was unlucky to be denied in the corner. So ultimately the Tigers were denied their baker’s dozen but a score of twelve tries to one was a just reflection of the dominance they showed.

The statistics for the season now read:

Played 28
Won 22
Lost 3
Drawn 3
Tries Scores 115
Tries Conceded 24

Few teams in the country will have a more impressive set of numbers than these!

County Cup – Group Phase and Quarter-Finals

Group Winners Cheltenham Progress to Semis

Squad: Toby J, Coner, Josh, Charlie N, Cameron, Ross, Dan, Jay, Sam J, Ryan, Henry, Charlie Miles, Eric, Thyrza, Callum, Scott, Toby B.

Game 1
**

Cheltenham 14 Widden Old Boys 0

**

The tent was up, the bacon sandwiches were down and the crowd could still feel their toes (just). With the Widden fixture a victim of last week’s weather there was no form to indicate how this match might go. James and Sam K were injury victims and unfortunately unable to take part.

Cheltenham applied pressure from the whistle and chased down the kick off to gain put in at the first scrum; which they won. A clean ball was presented to Charlie Miles, who duly opened the Tiger’s account. Sam converted to give Cheltenham a 7pt lead. Much of the first half was then spent in Widden territory and a lovely flowing move along the back line nearly saw Toby B in, in the far corner, but momentum carried him just into touch. Luckily he only had to wait a few moments for poetic justice to intervene, when he gathered well from a defensive Widden punt and powered over for another 5 points, which Sam duly turned into seven.

The second half was tighter, but the Tigers were in control and saw out the second seven minutes to take the first match 14-0.

Game 2

Cheltenham 0 Newent 0

This was to be the key game of the pool, with Cheltenham knowing they would have to be strong and fast to deal with Newent’s notorious physicality.
The Tigers started well exerting plenty of their own pressure and Sam J was unlucky to be held up just short of the opposition line.
On a bigger pitch and with the ability to play their naturally expansive game Cheltenham would have had the upper hand, but Newent knew their own strengths and were able to slow the game down, drawing the Tigers into a war of attrition.
Ultimately, this was a very effective performance from the Reds with Charlie Newhall, Josh and Toby J more than holding their own against a front row that might have been twice as heavy. In the line out Ross, Cameron and Josh snuffed out the Forest Thump that had undone other opponents and we were strong on both wings with Eric and Thyrza running and tackling well when call upon.

At the final whistle it was a 0-0 draw, with the moral victory belonging to Cheltenham.

Game 3

Cheltenham 33 Painswick 0

Painswick are not at all a bad team, but against a rampant Tigers they were never looked like they had a sniff in this tie. Once more the Tigers placed their opposition under pressure from the kick off and Sam J showed strength in the face of fierce tackling to wriggle over for the first score. He added 2 further points when he converted his own try to make it 7-0.

Aggressive, fluid running from Ryan and Henry boded well, but some loose play at our own line-out put the Tigers under a brief period of pressure. Good technical ability and determination in defence denied Painswick any return and some trademark ripping from Josh, provided ball for Cameron who made a ranging foray into the Painswick twenty-two. The solid scrum, gave Cheltenham a great platform and when Toby came into the line at speed he was able to use his height, power and telescopic arms to reach in for try number two, which was quickly followed by number three. This was followed by try four, provided by Cameron after great pressure in the line-out from Coner. Cheltenham’s fifth try was a wonderful piece of flowing rugby; good, disruptive forward play from Jay gave ball to Sam who moved it swiftly to Ryan at half back who fed Toby, who drew the last tackle before presenting to Charlie Miles for a score that was wonderful to watch.

The final score was 33-0.

Game 4

Cheltenham 21 Stow 0

The Tigers knew that a good win against the black and whites was needed to guarantee the top spot in the group that they deserved, but with the pitch cutting up and legs tiring, nothing was guaranteed. The Reds took an early lead when Charlie Miles gathered from a 22 drop out and made good ground before releasing Eric, who powered down the touchline and crossed in the corner for try one.
Cheltenham should have shut the game down in the first half, but nerves and a plucky display from Stow kept the score at 7-0 at half time.

On more than one occasion the Tigers’ pack was penalised for getting an early shove on, much to the annoyance of Coach Barnes ( just to clarify: his annoyance was with the decision rather than with his pack).

Early in the second half Charlie Newhall picked the ball out of the air following a line-out won against the head and showed that good scrum halves never die ( they just go to join the front row) when he spun a lovely pass out to open up the field. Ross (The Flash Barnes) made ground before feeding Charlie Miles who straightened the attack and drew the last man before presenting the ball to battering ram Dan, who crossed for a very satisfying score. Sam again added the conversion points and Tigers were 14-0 to the good. More tries in them and when a battered Stow hesitated , Cameron took advantage of the dilatory moment to first smother and then rob the confused fly half of the ball, stealing in the corner for an opportunist try.

The Tigers were now in complete control and Scott H was unlucky to have a try disallowed for a forward pass that could have been allowed on another day. There was still life in Stow but solid defensive covering from the centre backs and Callum made light work of their best efforts.

Ultimately, a 21-0 victory was enough to see Cheltenham progress to the Quarter Finals as Group Winners. A wonderful team performance.

Quarter Final

Cheltenham 7 Longlevens 0

This was the Chris de Burgh quarter final with both teams resplendent in red.

Cheltenham conceded an early penalty and were under pressure but committed defence from Toby in the pack eased the situation. Within seconds the pressure valve was released when Charlie Miles and Eric again combined superbly to produce a winger’s try in the corner. This was the only try in a first half that saw some very tight play and committed contribution from Josh and Sam J.

The second half was a nervy affair with Cheltenham unable to bury the game, much to the detriment of the spectators’’ collective blood pressure. Some gutsy, agricultural defensive play from Josh the Ripper and Charlie Newhall and some intelligent defensive kicking from Ryan helped ensure that the Tigers protected their lead and ran out as deserved winners, securing a place in the Semi-Finals.

This was a truly laudable, whole-team performance. In conditions which favoured the heavier, well-fed teams, Cheltenham proved that it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog that counts ( Mark Twain). The Tigers progressed to the Semi-Finals without conceding a single try.

Coaches and parents were looking forward to a sit down and a nice cup of camomile tea. Semi-Finals in a few weeks.

Cheltenham 0 Worcester 15

Match report follows underneath photo gallery

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