Steve Heard puts pen to paper...
The 2009-2010 has certainly been a landmark season for the Cobham Youth Section. With some 220 players playing regular matches our section continues to grow and thrive.
Our Under 13s wait to see if they are promoted to League 1.The only game they lost was by 2 points to the eventual winners of the league. Unfortunately they were prevented from playing all their games by a club which was unwilling to cancel a friendly in preference to league games. The B team had a very good season too, finishing second in League 4 behind a very strong Old Reigatians A team. Well done to the coaches Gary Bownes and Rob Penfold and the managing duo of Dino Adams and Denise Symons who keep all the boys in order.
Following their success in winning League 2 last year the Under 14s had a difficult season. Despite competing very well in many games, notably against Richmond, Effingham and Esher, where on each occasion they finished the wrong side of close games, they ended the season in a relegation position. Despite this, the squad put up a great performance in the Cobham 10s tournament where they lost in a tight final to Sutton and Epsom, runners up in League 1. Although they were stretched on occasions this year it was great that they were able to field a B team to complete the league fixtures.
While this season was slightly disappointing there is much to build on for next season and I am sure that they will be making a strong push for promotion under the guidance of Jonathan Fussell, Nick Hyams and Mike Frisby.
Well done to our Under 15s this season who achieved their best ever position to finish second behind London Irish in League 1. Despite a disappointing start in losing a close game to Old Reigatians, the boys came back strongly to score more bonus points overall than any other club. In one notable game that I had the pleasure of watching they pushed London Irish (the eventual league winners) hard before going down 22-14; overall a great advert for all that is good about Surrey Youth Rugby. This age group has made good progress this season under the coaching guidance of Martin Green and the management team of Tony Morrison and Brian Sullivan.
Many congratulations to the boys, parents, coaches and players of the Under 16s for what, without a doubt, was a fantastic season. In a closely fought league they really did go to the wire and it was only with the last league game that they won League 1 for the first time and then only by a single point! In addition to their league success they have added extensively to the club’s honours board. Well done to Jordon Burns (England U16) Ben Edwards (Wales U16), Rory Anderson (England U16A) and Tom Hilton Stevens (England U16A) and also to the whole squad who won several league games while these boys were on International duty. Tim Yates, Taff Edwards and Tom Doran have worked hard with the boys over the last few seasons.
It has also been an amazingly successful year for the Under 17 squad. The A squad won the League 1 title for the fifth year (seventh including the mini age-groups of U11 and U12). The squad showed strength in depth with the B team coming top in League 2 for the first time having played against all A teams. The goal for this age group was always to do well in the National Under 17s tournament. After a good win against a strong and well organised Old Albanians side in the regional final and an equally good display against Gloucester champions in the semi final, they took their place in the final at Franklins Gardens against Bedford. After a great all round performance and in a feast of running rugby many jubilant Cobham supporters saw them crowned National Under 17 champions. Congratulations to all involved but particularly the coaching team of Neil McCallum, Paul Markham and Mark Harty and the management team of Chris Mays and Roy Bliss. A truly memorable day!
Lastly to the Under 18s. This year due to school commitments we were unable to field a full under 18 team. However several of the boys made their debuts in senior sides, perhaps most encouragingly in the Surrey Trophy final at Imber Court where we fielded a very young 1XV including Charlie Rooke (U18s), James Macdonald (U18s), Josh Brown (U19s), Harry Cairns (U19s) and Will Merrett (U20s). This shows how the senior teams are benefiting as our youth teams develop.
Finally a big thank you to all of the volunteers, coaches, managers and parents who all make this possible. I realise that a wet Sunday morning or lunchtime may not always be the most appealing thing, but it is due to your efforts that the players and the Youth section continues to develop. Hope to see you all in September for what I am sure will be another fun and challenging season.
Steve Heard
Youth Chairman
