Match Report

Sunday 18^th November 2007

at

East Grinstead Rugby Football Club

__________________________________________________

England Deaf Rugby Union XV

vs

Brighton University XV

Weather Conditions: Typical English Weather – Wet, Cold and Windy

Ground Conditions:                Good, firm to feet

Abbreviations:              BU                   = Brighton University

EDRU             = England Deaf Rugby Union

Report:

It was a cold, wet blustery day as the rain settled on the fairly good conditioned pitch, the match that was to take place at East Grinstead RFC was a preparation game for EDRU’s International Match against Wales Deaf Rugby Union February 3rd 2008

Dave Kelly BU’s Captain led his side with such leadership, he was almost left to his own devices on occasions with his solo efforts trying to get stability for his team-mates in the loose play – a fine player

As the match progressed, there was some fine displays of such good technical football, it was an entertaining game to watch, even though the spectators were frozen to the bone with the typical weather conditions, the excitement kept their ‘cockles’ warm to see the game through!

Some highlights of the game included, some strong running from EDRU players’, Guy Lavery, Brett Hanratty and Ian Collins

Although EDRU forwards proved to be a tough task for BU pack, there was some fitness issues highlighted during this game, which no doubt the coaches will be looking at more closely in preparation for EDRU Internationals season in 2008

The first half showed a total tally of 36pts, being EDRU 22pts to BU’s 14pts – which consisted of EDRU 4 tries and one conversion, against BU’s 2 converted tries, a testament to EDRU pressure to get the kicking skills more consistent, as this cost them 6pts in total

A total of 10pts scored in the second half, a try a piece - this was a result of some frantic play and a referee who was ‘happy whistle free’

EDRU suffered too many penalties for decisions to be questioned on occasions

During the second half EDRU made a few changes to the playing XV - this was to give the coaches a look at potential players as the season proceeds into the latter part of the playing year

EGRFC Head Coach, Mark Lewis (Snr) who was playing for the EDRU was assisted off the field by EDRU Physio, Dina Nolan (his partner!) due to an injury to his knee.

EDRU’s forward Tim Aldridge who substituted for Brighton University to help out - came off the pitch injured after a few minutes of playing, by further damaging his toe (an injury he sustained some weeks earlier!) he will be out for the rest of the season

SCORERS

EDRU     Brighton University

Tries:                      Adam Smallwood (1 try)                                     Wing No14 (1 try) name??

Rob Hill (2 tries)                                                   Wing No 11(1 try) name??

Guy Lavery (1 try)                                                                                 name??

Charlie James (1 try)           

Conversions:

                                Guy Lavery (1 Conversion)                                No15 Full Back (2 Conversions)       

Peter Sealy, the President of Sussex Rugby Football Union who attended the match was very impressed and honoured the fact the England Deaf Rugby Union had chosen East Grinstead RFC to host this match on this occasion

It is with Thanks that goes to Dina Nolan (Sussex RFU Administrator & EDRU Physio) and Club Coach, Mark Lewis (Snr) who organised the EDRU’s visit to EGRFC and the match against Brighton University XV was arranged by Sussex RFU RDO, Gerwyn Wilson

In an after match speech, EGRFC Club President Steve Cairns, was certainly very welcoming to EDRU members and has invited the EDRU back to in the future, and to maybe take part in the Sunshine Seven’s Competition during the spring of 2008

The game seemed alot closer than the score

Well Done Chaps!

Comments from Tony Stoyles, Director of Rugby

I would like to thank East Grinstead RFC for their hospitality and warmth they gave us during our visit, it was most appreciated – Special Thanks to Liam Johnson and his Staff!

The match itself was entertaining, despite the coldness and biting wind chill – the players certainly showed a fine display of some good football and certainly gave us an insight for the coming Internationals against Wales & Scotland in February & March 2008

I would like to thank Brighton University XV for taking part at such short notice, I hope you enjoyed the experience playing against an International XV

I was also very pleased to meet Peter Sealy President of Sussex RFU for reasons of developing our relationship with county representatives to enhance and promote Deaf Rugby within the world of Rugby Union

EDRU needs as much as support as possible, and to continue this splendid module to give

Deaf or Hard of Hearing Children, Men and Women the chance to represent their country at all levels that are available and play for England!

Like myself, I have played for EDRU and it gives me enormous pride to be able to say I have represented my country England at a sport of which I so much adore – for a team I did not know existed until 2/3 years ago!

Yours in Rugby

Tony