Colts
Colts Play Host to the Prince of Wales School, Vancouver
Howe Boys with the Vancouver Visitors
Howe Colts hosted Prince of Wales school from Vancouver over two nights last week. The Canadian visitors had been on tour in England and Scotland for two weeks before arriving in Cupar. Their previous matches had seen them play against a variety of teams and winning one match out of 4 before arriving in Cupar. All players were hosted by Colts section players and friendships struck. The boys visited North East Fife and Dundee over two days taking in local tourist attractions . Following a day of sightseeing, a match was played under the Duffus lights on Tuesday evening. Both teams agreed to play a match of 3 periods, two of twenty minutes and one of 30 minutes to allow game time for all players of varying abilities. Howe kicked off downhill and got into their stride early by taking a score within the first two minutes. This had a strong effect on the Howe lads and they settled into a good rythym of fast , rucking play with speedy transfer of the ball across all team members. This made for a highly exciting first period during which the boys added another 4 tries from forwards and backs . Michael Ridley and Angus Liddle made the most of the freedom they enjoyed by galloping frequently into the opposition territory and a special mention should be made for Rhu Paul’s ability to drive the opposition backwards in the tackle, hence helping secure possession in 50:50 situations. The Canadian boys also stuck in well with some robust tackling and a few excellent breaks by their backs. Handling errors and a difference in ability at ruck time was the key difference between the teams. Continuity for Howe was key and apart from a few sloppy mistakes in passing, this was a strong period of play. Dom Martin, as he has all season, played an excellent captain’s game and led by example. His line breaks and off loads at pace threatened time and again and, crucially, the running lines of his various centre partners helped Howe penetrate into the opposition territory time and again. The second period allowed Howe’s other players time on the pitch and, again, the lads aquitted themselves against the Canadians who made great efforts to play handling rugby, with some attractive lines of running. The scrum and lineout play of both teams was secure with hot competition in both again leading to excellent competition for the ball. With several of the younger Colts seeing action the highlights of this period included great tackling by Luke Mair, some excellent breenges by Ryan Pentland, accompanied by Calum McBain. Howe conceded a couple of scores during this period which was well deserved by the Vancouver lads who struck some good continuity together to score under the posts. After a sook on the water bottles (!) and a breather, the last period ensued with Howe well ahead in scoring terms. The pace of the game began to show on Howe’s fitness levels with several players needing some revival but the visitors played their hearts out in this final 30 minutes. The Howe boys took a lot from this period as well with the off loading and support play being great to watch. The enthusiasm in running the ball at every opportunity led to some “harem scarem” moments but luck played it’s part as well in the scoring. Prince of Wales got a well deserved try after a Howe error in trying to be too fancy in the 5 metre area of the opposition try line. The Canadians showed great adventure with a strong line break by their No.10, who fed his backs - the left winger was then off like a bullet from a rifle! Several despairing lunges and half hearted tackles later (9 in total) he scored a fabulous try, having run the length of the pitch. No more than was deserved and a hard lesson in limiting mistakes. The Howe boys fought back and scored their own try minutes later. Play see-sawed with both sides trying to play attractive rugby with Prince of Wales scoring last, again, deservedly from a soft penalty conceded by Howe in their own 22. The kick at goal failed and Chris Williams, referee, blew for full time. Howe ran out eventual winners by 46 – 26 in what was a great advert for youth rugby. All players, coaches and parents then retired back to Howe clubrooms where an exchange of gifts and speeches took place. A very large thank you is due to all Howe parents and hosts for taking such excellent care of our visitors and showing them some Howe hospitality. On behalf of the Colts players a warm thank you is also extended to club president Neil Strachan for being the go between for visitors and club alike. A lot of work went into this visit and all Neil’s efforts were much appreciated.
August 22nd - First Game of the Season
Howe colts entertain Perthshire colts in their first match of the new season in an U 18 friendly match on Saturday 22nd August at Duffus Park with kick off at 1pm. The enthusiastic Howe boys are eager to get started in what will be a testing match. Perthshire colts have developed well over recent seasons into one of the stronger teams in the Caledonian district. With the match being used as a training match with 3 playing periods of roughly 25 minutes, the coaches are looking to give as many eligible players as possible game time. Performance in separate combinations and as a team rather than final result is what Howe coaches will be looking for . The team will be led out by the new Captain and Vice Captain team of Dominic Martin and Adam Honeyman. All spectators welcome.
Pre-season training kicks off !!
Tuesday 14th July 2009.
6.45pm - every Tuesday and Thursday thereafter, same time
Colts Take The Caledonia Cup - 27th April
Sunday 27th April was finals day for the Caledonia District, the U18s were playing for the Cup, their last chance to acquire some silverware for 15 man rugby after the controversy of the Youth League Cup.
They kicked off on a warm sunny day and exerted pressure from the start, the tactic was to play a couple of phases of forward ball before using the backs down the centre, but Aberdeen Wanderers were very good at slowing the ball down at the contact areas which frustrated our guys, the Howe lads switched tactics and started playing like a 15 man 7's team which was very effective against a skilled side that was lacking in pace except on the wings. Aberdeen were unlucky not to get the first points with a penalty shot at goal, after that attempt they never looked like scoring, the Howe were supreme in attack and defence, this was against a team that had run Howe close twice earlier in the season, but were unable to cope with the good ground conditions that suit the Howe at all age levels.
Half time came with Howe leading 12 v 0. The half time team talk was easy, play the way you did in the first half and you'll win, the lads were well up to the task and proceeded to chalk up another converted try to win 19 v 0.
Like yesterday no one player could be singled out as a star, all the boys gave it 100% effort.
The 22 players on the day are shown with coaches Steve Aitken kneeling and Ralph Henderson standing and the 3 Scotland U18 players who didn't play in the Cup games.
Colts
Training numbers continue to improve now schools have returned. We have been able to field x 2 Colts teams for the last x 2 Saturdays .We are looking to run x 3 Colts teams during season 2007 /08 if numbers permit. Remember training every Tues at 6.30pm for 7pm prompt start.
Scotland success for Howe Colts continues
Congratulations from all at Howe go to Colts senior players Ross Aitken ( Howe colts vice captain) , Michael Fedo and Rory Drummond. All 3 players have been selected for the Scotland U 18 development squad for this season.
U 16 colts success
On 22nd August U 16 Howe colts Scott Sloan , Conor Albon , Ciaran Doake and Paul Montgomery were selected to play for Fife Mavericks U 16 pathway team against Tayside U16's. The match played at Duffus park in balmy conditions was a treat in every respect with both teams playing a high standard of skillful rugby for their age group. Fife came out winners in the end with all Howe players playing well.
On Sunday August 26th Scott Sloan , Conor Albon ,Paul Montgomery Dominic Martin and Adam Honeyman were selected for Fife Mavericks U16 to travel to Ellon to face North East Hurricanes pathway U 16. The match swung on a disputed decision in the final minute when Fife were denied a score under the posts . The Howe players involved expressed their frustration that the match should have been won before this. All Howe players involved received game time in front of a large NE crowd including the SRU development officers.
On Sunday 2nd September Fife Mavericks U16 travelled to Inverness to face their Highland U 16 counterparts. The lads won 54-20. The Howe players selected were Scott Sloan , Dominic Martin , Conor Albon and Paul Montgomery.
With one match left aganst Central all the Howe lads involved will be looking to deliver strong performances if selected. Following this round of matches the Caledonia district age group squads involving Fife, Tayside, NE , Highland and Central are selected for season 2007 / 08.
Good luck to them all from everyone at the Howe.
Colts Charter
HOWE OF FIFE RFC
COLTS PLAYERS CHARTER
SEASON 2007 -08
Remember we represent our club at ALL times
Training is expected both Tuesday & Thursday evenings
Timekeeping is important – be early if possible – 50 p fine for all breaches
Fitness is our personal responsibility
Discipline before during and after all matches + training sessions - 50 p fine for all breaches
Respect each other, coaches and all rugby club staff
Attend training + matches when injured if possible
Balancing rugby and schoolwork is OUR responsibility
ENJOY OUR RUGBY
Name Mobile / Number
Ralph Henderson 07928 959533
Steve Aitken 07802 772625
Grant Henderson ( Captain ) 07856 080508
Ross Aitken ( Vice Captain)
Sam Marshall 0796 8674211
Mike Dow 07889 001949
John White 07736 251423
Dave Cooper
Jim Honeyman 07774 629345
Russell Ferguson 01337 840368
Howe Club 01334 652819
Howe Pavilion 01334 655459
Howe Young Guns step up at Philiphaugh
Saturday 21st April
Howe Young Guns step up at Philiphaugh.
With the First VII appearing at Kirkcaldy & following the cancellation of Kirkcaldy’s U-18 Tournament Howe’s U-18’s were handed the chance of a second trip to the Borders this week. The venue this time was Philiphaugh, Selkirk for the Selkirk RFC “Junior” 7’s. However, the “Junior” in the title does not refer to age but means this is a tournament for the Border Clubs in the lower leagues & the second 7’s of those higher up the pecking order. So the Howe boy’s faced the prospect of older, bigger & more experienced opponents. With Johncock’s shoulder injury from the previous week not having cleared up & Lewis Wilson struggling with work commitments the squad faced two changes from the previous week but were able to welcome back Stevie Wilson and Michael Fedo from their respective stints with the Scotland U-18 & U-17 Squads.
Their first tie was against St Boswells who simply couldn’t handle the all round pace & handling of the Howe boys which coupled with some good defensive work saw them cruise through the second round with a 43 – 0 victory scoring 7 unanswered try’s from Fedo, Drummond (2), Lathangie (2), Wilson & Wardlaw.
The next tie was always going to be harder as they watched Jed-Forest dispose of Hawick to become their second round opponents. The Jed lads were a big physical bunch who could also play a bit of 7’s, judging by their first round game, and so it proved as they raced into a 10-0 lead before a try & conversion from Horne got Howe into the tie. Jed struck back though with another brace of tries, one converted, to take a 22 –7 lead. They seemed to think they had done enough to win and couldn’t respond to a fantastic fight back from the Howe boys with first Fedo & then Wilson running in well worked scores, Wilson converting his own effort, to close the gap to 22-19 in Jeds favour. They were left shell shocked when in the last minute of the tie some fantastic handling set Fedo through the defence for the winning score. 24-22 to the Howe then and a third round tie with Peebles to follow.
Howe struck first with Horne converting his own try for a 7-0 lead but were forced to work hard against a big & physical Peebles side who scored two try’s of their own, one converted, before a strike run from Drummond levelled things at 12-12. The Howe lads were having to work really hard in defence to hold out their bigger opponents with this epitomised by some fantastic covering & try saving tackles from Lathangie who always “punches above his weight”.
The lads had to dig deep to withstand the pressure but found enough to come back with tries from Aitken (converted) and a second effort from Drummond to finish 24-12 winners of an energy sapping tie.
On then to their second Border’s 7’s Final in a week and the prospect of facing a strong looking Biggar side who had cruised through their half of the draw without conceding a point. They also benefited from the luck of the draw in getting the longer rests between ties.
They seemed out to prove that Biggar is better, taking to the field with their coach’s shout of “go out and bully them, they’re just laddies” ringing in their ears. They followed instructions by playing a physical style which saw them race to a 21-0 lead with three converted try’s before Drummond pulled one back for the Howe to go in at half time 21-5 down. Howe responded well by digging deep to score two well worked try’s by Horne, both converted, to close the gap to 21-19 and suddenly a tie that had looked all but over was back in the melting pot. Howe’s youngsters pushed hard for a score but were starting to find their efforts in the previous ties were taking their toll. A controversial touch judge decision then saw a line out deep in the Howe 22 gave Biggar a score for a 26-19 lead with the full time whistle approaching. The Howe boys gave their all in an effort to force a winning score but some good defensive pressure by Biggar saw them turn over ball for a final score on the stroke of full time to see them through to a 31- 19 victory.
Howe Colts come close in the Borders
Saturday 14th April saw the Howe Colts travel to Mansfield Park, Hawick to take on the best of the Borders Youth Teams in the Hawick PSA 7’s tournament.
On a glorious day with the sun splitting the sky the Howe lad’s comfortably dealt with Berwick U-18’s 28 – 0 with Tries from Horne, Drummond, Mason & Horne again with all four converted by the try scorers.
The 2nd Round saw Howe against a physical Peebles side but better skills saw Howe run out 29 – 7 winners although this was far harder work than the first tie. Johncock (2), Williamson, Lathangie & Aitken contributed the tries with only the last two being converted by the scorers.
The heat & hard ground conditions were taking their toll by this time & Johncock had to sit out the third round tie against Carlisle following a shoulder injury against Peebles. Missing their flying wing didn’t disrupt things too much with young Rory Drummond proving a more than able replacement moving to the wing from prop where he had started the first two games. Howe opened the scoring & try’s from Williamson, playing at hooker, and a brace from scrum half Lathangie saw the Howe youngsters comfortably through to the final with a 22-0 win.
The final pitched Howe against the other “home” side Hawick Wanderers. Both teams were familiar to each other having met in the 15-a-side Quarter Final of the Scottish Youth League Cup at Dunbar earlier in the season.
A real cracker of a final followed with Howe taking a 12-0 lead through tries from Johncock, who had returned to the fray, and Drummond (Converted by Horne). Wands bounced back with two well-worked tries & a conversion to level the score. Peels at half time then and all to play for in a second half that was eagerly anticipated by the large crowd now taking advantage both of the sunshine & the chance to watch two teams playing some quality 7’s. Johncock had to call it a day with a recurrence of his shoulder injury from earlier.
While there was obviously a strong support for the homesters a noisy contingent from Gala were doing their best to support the Howe boys.
Drummond then opened the scoring for Howe in the second half with a strong run but couldn’t convert from far out on the right. Wanderers then struck back with a clean break try under the sticks which was easily converted for a 19-17 lead. Williamson then had one of his trademark dancing breaks for a score that again went unconverted, when this was responded to by Hawick Wands with another converted try the Howe lads were facing a four point deficit with both time & energy running out. Trying to force a break from deep in their own half saw Hawick scoop up a fumbled pass to cross for their 5th try which was unconverted but gave them a 31-22 win as the final whistle sounded.
A near thing for the Howe boy’s who have not been used to losing this season but they can take some comfort in that this was their first seven’s run out this year while the Wanderers side had won the previous two tournaments on the Border’s U-18 circuit over the preceding two weeks.
Squad; Chris Mason (Capt.), Robbie Williamson, Rory Drummond, Stewart Lathangie, Ross Aitken, Peter Horne, Graham Johncock, Darren Lorimer, Lewis Wilson, William Wardlaw.
Results;
1st Round - Howe U-18, 28 – Berwick U-18, 0
2nd Round – Howe U-18, 29 – Peebles U-18, 7
Semi Final – Howe U-18, 22 – Carlisle U-18, 0
Final – Howe U-18, 22 – Hawick Wanderers U-18, 31