RESULTS AND REPORTS FOR UNDER 12 AGE GROUP

2010 -2011

 

 

 

CLICK HERE FOR PAGE CONTAINING LAST SEASONS U11 REPORTS AND PICTURES

 

Team Presentation

 

 

 UNDER 12 BLOG SPOT

 

 

THE SQUAD IN THEIR NEW KIT  - CLICK ON PICTURE

 

ANGLO WELSH TOURNAMENT

SUNDAY APRIL 16^th

The under 12's attended the Anglo- Welsh Tournament at Wrexham. In recognition of their 10th Anniversary SALE SHARKS awarded some special prizes. Amongst the children receiving the prize was Bangor's PHIL SMITH

 

The winners of the Best Sportsman award have been given a ticket for themselves and one adult to attend Sale Sharks JP Morgan 7's event on 29th July at Edgeley Park, kindly donated by Sale Sharks. These children stood out as an example to the rest of their peers and you should all be very proud.

 

The under 12’s played in the Anglo/Welsh competition losing in the semi finals.

 

The result for us on the day were:-

 Group Games

Bangor 17 : Ruthin 0

This was the only time in the group stages that any side scored 3 tries with Phil crossing the line twice and converting one of his tries, and Alex also managing to put over a strong try.

 

Bangor 10 : Denbigh 5

Tries were scored by Alex and Caleb

 

Bangor 12 : Nant 5.

Whilst Nant scored first in this game Bangor proved their strength to come back with tries from Alex and Phil. Steffan converted one of these tries

 

Bangor 0 : Wrexham 10

 

Semi Final

Bangor 0 : Nant 5

 

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Sunday March 13^th  

Denbigh 7     Bangor 28

A cold but sunny morning Bangor started a round robin set of games against the home side Denbigh who had beaten them at Bangor earlier in the season but from the kick off when Gavin Williams caught the ball you had a sense that things were going to be different this time around.

 

Initial moves saw Denbigh moving forward but Tom Yardley was quick to kick and clear the early pressure. This was followed by Calib Beckett-Williams carrying the ball through the centre of the pitch and although possession was lost Mike Barry used his strength to steal the ball and broke through however with players being isolated possession was lost.

 

Denbigh seemed to be keen to kick the ball behind our defensive line but a high ball was caught by Sam Bennett-Jones who was quick to run back at Denbigh. From the contact Luke Dickenson was able to pass the ball out from scrum half position to Phil  Smith and we all know what happens from there, a long run lead to a try! Tom Yardley definitely had his kicking boots on today and although the kick was from wide it sailed over to give first blood to Bangor 0 : 7.

 

Trying to keep notes when Bangor are playing so well which I want to watch can prove difficult but passages of play followed which involved Phil Smith making a strong tackle to prevent Denbigh running through down the wing, with a further tackle shortly after on their tallest player. Mathew Thomas made an excellent interception when Denbigh were looking threatening, and was able to clear from our 22 yard line through to the half way line with a strong run. Then there tall 13 ran through the middle with Sam managing to bring him down.

 

From a scrum Bangor won possession with Calib running through the middle and support came from Sam to continue the momentum, and the ball was taken again from our own 22 beyond the halfway line. The great thing to see was the continued support from both forwards and backs, with the second phase seeing the ball come out to Alex who was able to use his power to drive over the line and who was delighted to score a try. The conversion was even harder being very wide on the left side and whilst the crowd thought Tom had missed the ref awarded the conversion to take the score to 0 :14

 

Whilst Bangor were in the lead the game was far from over and Denbigh again broke through with their number 8 being stopped by a solid defence which once again gained us vital possession, and we were able to go into half time with a 14 point lead.

The second half saw us put into practice a lot of lesson’s learnt from the training sessions which have proved vital in the second half of this season. A quick tap penalty from a quick thinking Alex passed the ball to Mathew Morris who was able to gain us territory and led to a scrum 5m out from Denbigh’s try line and although the crowd thought Alex had driven over the ref awarded a penalty and Denbigh kicked to clear their line. The mistake they made however was kicking to Phil who started one of his dazzling runs gathering the ball on our half on the right hand side, running across the field, and then down the left wing with no-one able to catch him, let alone stop him. Again Tom’s boots added a further 2 points from the conversion and Bangor were now looking like the lions they were asked to play like with a 21 point lead.

 

Denbigh’s strong players were still trying and their tall number 8 drove through again but was brought down, and this resulted in another run through by Phil and a conversion from Tom to take the score to 0 : 28

 

This was followed with a further step in field from Steffan Davies with good support from Calib and a possession of neat passes through to Sam but possession was lost. Denbigh were on a break through which could have led to a try but a hard tackle from Sam saved the day. The pressure Denbigh were now putting on meant we had to kick to clear our lines, but this was gathered by Denbigh who managed to create a try, followed by a tough conversion to give them the full 7 points.

 

The final phase of the game was seen out with a lovely kick from Alex to the corner post giving us strong advantage but no further points were scored. Bangor obtained a thoroughly well deserved victory and everyone should be pleased with their performance today.

 

Under 12’s match Sunday March 13^th

 Cobra 0        Bangor 41

 

Bangor were keen to carry on from their success in their earlier match against Denbigh, and with both sides playing a reduced squad of thirteen, Bangor were quick to build on the earlier success from the kick off, Nathan Kelly caught the ball and ran forward offloading the ball to Calib, who linked up with Luke Dickenson and quickly Bangor had gained territory, although Cobra reacted and were quick down the right wing, gaining huge yardage, but were pushed into touch before being able to capitalise. Bangor won the lineout and the ball came across to Nick Dundee, who completed a long run down the right wing to cross over for a try, which Tom unluckily failed to convert as there was a strong wind. Cobra 0 Bangor 5.

 

It was not long before the try scoring machine was working once again and Phil scored again running through at least 6 or 7 of Cobras players who were left looking at dust, but again the wind was to strong and guided the ball to the right of the posts. Cobra 0 Bangor 10.

 

Next Sam was ploughing through the middle and it was a delight to see all the support play being offered from the squad, leading to the ball going out to Phil who ran through from Bangor’s 22 to score again. This time 2 players had managed to keep up with him, the good news being they were both Bangor players offering support. But unfortunately again the ball drifted which left us with just the 5 points  

Cobra 0 Bangor 15.

 

Bangor were showing total domination of the match and Nick went down the left wing before half time to score his second try of the match to see Bangor going into half time with a 20 to nil lead as we didn’t score the conversion.

 

Unfortunately Tom suffered an injured hand so when Phil had scored a further try at the start of the second half, he took over the kicking as well and converted to take the score to Cobra 0 Bangor 27

 

Cobra tried to kick through Bangor’s defence and once again Phil started a run crossing the line but passing to Luke so he could touch down between the posts with Phil converting Cobra 0 Bangor 34

 

The game was drawing to a close when Sam again gained possession and powered through the middle with excellent support enabling the ball to be recycled to Mike who created a maul, Luke then ran through with a perfectly timed pass to Gruff Roberts who was at pace running down the right wing, to cross over for his first try. This brought the game to a satisfying end with Alex managing to convert Cobra 0 Bangor 41

 

The coaches were delighted at the overall performance of the team in both games, of particular note was the support play being shown, moves practiced in training paying off, and the defending which only allowed in one try in the two games. A happy journey home for all.

 

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Sunday January 16^th

Bangor 14     - 10     Pwllheli

 With the rain having poured down for the previous 24 hours it was unfortunate that the match could not kick off on time due to the loss of two pitches, and the younger age groups playing first. The time however was used wisely in the changing rooms with Bangor coming out on the pitch still on a high following last week’s victory against Colwyn Bay and a good training session on Friday.

 

Early play was very much 50:50 in possession and territory with Luke Jones making an excellent catch from a kick where Pwllheli tried to get behind our defensive line. This was shortly followed by excellent tackling from both sides and Luke Jones and Sam Goodwin made an excellent two man stop on the touch line as one of Pwllheli’s stronger players threatened to run through.

 

The wet ball and muddy pitch was bringing about some unforced errors but Bangor stood strong and did not allow Pwllheli to break through. Then came the magic moment with Tom Yardley using his strength to gain yards in the centre of the play and passing the ball at the tackle from ½ way inside his own half, to a rampant Phil Smith who some how picked up speed even in the mud and once again broke through Pwllheli’s defence with the opposition left desperately trying to catch him, he managed to run about ¾ of the pitch to put the ball under the posts. This was so similar to his match winning try last week that we have all decided to go around to his house for breakfast before the next match as he obviously has something in the mornings to give him this speed. With Phil having gone between the posts Tom Yardley was able to put the conversion over to gain the vital extra points, and enabling the home side to go 7:0 up.

 

On more than one occasion Pwllheli had overlaps but failed to benefit from them as Bangor absorbed the pressure with vital tackles, and were able to clear defensive lines with kicks into touch from Tom, and likewise a long kick up field from Phil Smith. However silly penalties were being lost by Bangor and Pwllheli were able to maintain pressure, eventually crossing the line but vitally having been pushed out to their left rather than under the posts meaning they failed to convert leaving them still trailing by 7:5 at half time.

 

From the kick off of the second half the pressure continued to come from Pwllheli with Bangor defiantly holding them back from the try line. A kick from Sam Goodwin 10 yards from Bangor’s try line was charged down, but still Bangor managed to keep the opposition out, and soak up precious time. However eventually this pressure led to a further try which was again pushed to the far corner, and likewise was not converted. Whilst this meant Pwllheli taking the lead the tight defending ensured the gap was not getting too great, and Bangor still believed in themselves. Within a short time Bangor were gaining possession and once again from within his own half Phil Smith held a pass, and started a diagonal run first to his right before cutting back in field to his left leaving a desperate Pwllheli defence chasing his tail. They had no chance and once again Phil headed for the posts giving Tom Yardley the chance to convert once again.

 

Would 14:10 be enough with over 5 minutes left on the clock?  Phil was regretting not bringing his gloves, as his nails were getting bitten again. Parents were desperate for the final whistle, and whilst Bangor were now down to 14 players following a yellow card for failing to go back 10 yards they still kept the opposition out, and jumped for joy with the final blow.

 

Whilst the legend of why the “elephant pitch” is so named lives on, the under 12’s can claim a piece of history having brought to an end a winning streak of Pwllheli's which legend today said was 5 years. However long it was, the team should be proud that for two weeks on the trot they have beaten opposition both of whom, had beaten them convincingly earlier in the season.

 

Following a suggestion from Phil I now try to remember to ask the opposition coach to name our man of the match. Pwllhelis coach did not hesitate in naming Phil Smith man of the match. His exact words were “whilst your whole team was strong your try scorers two break throughs were phenomenal, he really stood out”

 

 p.s. the Elephant Pitch got its name from Alwyn Bevan after the circus elephant dug a large hole in it when they put the big top there one year.

 

Sunday January 9^th

UNDER 12 AGE GROUP

Colwyn Bay 5 : Bangor 7

 

 From the kick off Bangor were not intimidated by CB and refused to play as the opposition had hoped with the ball being passed wide and down through the back division. Whilst some passes were being dropped it was encouraging to see that this did not dishearten the team and the hard tackling that had been asked for by the coaches beforehand was being shown from all divisions.

 

Whilst CB were dominating territory Bangor remained firm in defence and were able to clear their lines with kicking into touch together with the ball being passed out to the wings. CB were using the territorial advantage, but a critical try saving push and tackle on Bangor’s right wing from Nick and Phil helped keep the score sheets clean.

 

Tactically Bangor were showing a completely different approach to the last game and with players managing to break through it was not long before Bangor were able to move into CB’s territory.

 

The tables were now beginning to be turned but CB showed resilience and they were very quick to get to the tackle. However the longer Bangor were putting in the tackles and preventing CB from scoring the more they were gaining in confidence. Then came the breakaway that Bangor had been threatening for some time with wide passing resulting in Phil Smith being able to break through at speed and crossing the line under the posts. This was followed up with Tom Yardley managing to convert for the extra 2 points, meaning a very buoyant and confident Bangor side went into half time 0:7 up.

 

With the start of the second half you could see that CB were starting to panic as their game plan was definitely being disrupted with Bangor refusing to play through the middle, and passing the ball out to the wing. Bangor’s forwards were playing as a pack, and the squad were starting to work as a team, confidence was growing, and communication was apparent with the moves that have been practiced in training showing results. This highlights the need for all of the squad to come to the training on Friday to work on these moves and learn from each other.

 

CB were still playing very strong but some critical tackling, and using the touchlines enabled Bangor to remain resilient. With Bangor soaking up a lot of pressure they gained a penalty under their own posts, although the kick failed to reach touch and CB came back again, eventually being able to put the ball down over the Bangor line, however critically, by showing such strong defence they had managed to push CB wide, meaning the resulting conversion was missed as the score moved onto 5:7.

 

The last few minutes proved nail biting but with a kick to touch the final whistle was blown and Bangor had proven that by putting what was learnt from the training sessions into the match, that they could be more than a match to opposition who had beaten them strongly only a few days before.

 

SUNDAY DECEMBER 12th

colwyn bay 37 - 0 bangor

 

On a frosty but dry Sunday morning Bangor under 12’s turned out in their new kit and dominated the first 10 minutes of play being able to move the ball wide, and retain possession through most of this period, but unfortunately were unable to convert the possession into points. Colwyn Bay then managed to create a breakaway try and built on this score quickly. There was little doubt that they were stronger players, being able to push through, and bounce off some of the tackles. They also used the kick cleverly not only clearing their lines, but quickly gaining territory.

 

On a positive note it was pleasing to see a strong turnout of 17 players, and there was little doubt that Bangor held out on their try line with some resistance, on more than one occasion, to prevent the score becoming greater. With some stronger tackling from Bangor and greater width the gap could have been narrowed, and with some hard training after the Christmas break these areas can be worked on.

 

 

 

 

 

Bangor 14    Nant Conwy 37

 Sunday November 14^th

The match was preceded by two minutes silence with all players and coaches from the game, and the training pitches lining up in the centre of the pitch.

 

Nant Conwy were very quick off the mark and dominated the first 10 minutes, with strong defending from Bangor managing to keep the opposition from starting with an onslaught. It was however Nant who opened the scoring with two tries before Bangor were able to respond with a quick break from Bangor’s own half from Phil Smith who managed to place the ball between the posts. The try was promptly converted by Tom Yardley and a similar long break by Phil Smith later in the half which was again converted by Tom ensured that despite the dominance Nant had shown in the first half, Bangor were able to go in at half time with a respectable score of 14:17.

 

This was helped in no small part by so long kicking from the defensive line, strength shown in the rucks by Dominic Kelly [borrowed from the under 11’s] and quick tackling from Steffan Davies at scrum half.

 

Unfortunately Bangor were unable to build on the momentum gained and the second half became a one sided affair with Nant scoring 4 further tries whilst Bangor were unable to add any further points.

 

 

 

Bangor 49 - 14 Bro Ffestiniog 

 Sunday October 17^th

Many really positive points came out of today’s match. Firstly it was excellent to see such a fantastic turn out [for Bangor], with 19 players turning up for Bangor all nicely fired up for the start by Paul keen to get playing. I firmly believe if it had been Denbigh turning up today the game would have been far closer than it was last week.

 

Unfortunately Bro only turned up with 6 players so rather than just call things off, by moving some of our players around we were able to play a game. I bet wish they had the Bangor players in their squad every week, as the game was far from one sided with Bangor players tackling members of their own squad hard from the start. Well done to Steffan, Michael, Luke Dickinson Sam B. Jones, Dylan, Gavin and Calib [we allowed him to be a traitor for one day] for playing for the opposition it is never easy to try and win against your team mates [and sorry if I missed anyone’s name out]

 

The coaching on Friday and pre match seemed to have had an impact and Bangor players were passing the ball much more this week, with the full width of the backs was being utilised on more than one occasion. Phil was soon in his stride and in all managed to put 4 tries over the line, by running and twisting through the opposition and having both hands on the ball. His tally was added to by tries from Sam Goodwin, Tom Yardley and of particular note Mathew Morris, following a really sporting gesture from a certain individual who crossed the line and did not want all the glory. This individual went on to convert all the tries for the day so well done Tom for showing real team spirit.

 

Other points of note were Luke kicking to clear the defensive lines and really excellent defence from everyone which prevented two tries being scored by the opposition, even though they had crossed the try line. This shows real spirit by all the players in not giving up. Comment should also be made for the superb ripping of the ball from the oppositions hands on more than one occasion. All in all a good day on the pitch.

 

 

There will be no training next Friday as some members of the squad will be playing for North Wales against Bangor under 13’s but if anyone would like to come along and support please feel free to do so.

 

With it being half term next week I am needing to check on availability so will let everyone by mid week. Also I have still yet to get confirmation of the Eryri Cup date but with what was seen today we now seem to have a firm squad to build on for a challenge that the players seem really up for, and a real chance of progressing in this years competition.

 

Finally just to let everyone know word is obviously getting out that Bangor have a good squad and coaching set up as one boy was on the touchline watching this week, having come from Bethesda who is keen to join us. Remember tell any of your friends in school as we are now looking at about 20 people turning up if we can get this up to 25 we will really be making an impact.

 

UNDER 12's

BANGOR 5 - 36 DENBIGH

SUNDAY 10^th OCTOBER

 

A well fought battle was lost by Bangor earlier today going down to a 36 to 5 defeat against Denbigh.

 

It was pleasing to see, even with a couple of regular players missing, such a good attendance from Bangor with 18 players turning up.

 

From the start Denbigh used the kick off well and took first points although some sound tackling and defence managed to keep them at bay for some time. The opposition also seemed to be passing the ball wider, and with some tall players in the middle, were breaking through the line.

 

Whilst heads seemed to be down at half time Bangor were more inspired in the second half, and Sam Goodwin brought the crowd to life with a break through that gained some considerable distance. Luke Jones was using the penalties well, and a quick tap and pass to Phil Smith created a strong run through Denbigh’s defence to bring the only points for the home side.

 

Bangor did have a couple of further pushes to the try line, but Denbigh held out, and managed to get further points on the board, however once Bangor started passing the ball wide they looked threatening, and they were just kept short of the line as the final whistle was blown.

 

Whilst it was a defeat, there were definite encouraging signs and the squad should not feel downhearted. The importance of the training sessions on Friday to learn the passing skills and taking the ball wide can be worked on and all should feel pleased that they defended well on a hot sunny day.

 

 

UNDER 12's

LLANGEFNI 0 - 36 BANGOR

SUNDAY 3^rd OCTOBER

Whilst a number of age groups have already got games under their belt the under 12’s have been using the early part of the season to integrate the new players, get used to the new rules, fitness, and playing on a full size pitch and clearly the preparation paid off with a resounding 36 : 0 victory.

 

Although the pitch, players, and spectators were soaking wet this did not prevent a fast and open game taking place with Bangor passing wide on many occasions and using the full width of the pitch enabled some open play to take place.

 

Although the game was restricted to 12 players a side[being the team Llangefni could turn out] Bangor had enough squad to enable replacements to be brought on throughout the match and whilst all individuals played well and everyone deserves a mention, it was of particular note that the new players seem to have fitted in well, and the “old guard” were able to use them to their advantage.

 

Some excellent running and breakouts were seen with well drilled support, and quick selfless passing from many players providing tries from Phil Smith [3], and one each for the new boys Ben, Calub and Emyr. The points tally being added to further by 3 conversion from the reliable boot of Tom. This was also backed up with some excellent hard tackling, and Llangefni spent very little time in the Bangor half due to the solid defence.

 

The team really did gel together and had an understanding of where team mates were on the pitch as well as talking with each other and drawing in the opposition. A great result and everyone was on a high at full time.