Post by Jamie Crawford on Oct 31, 2023 12:20:32 GMT
Nottingham preview
sponsored by Twenty Four IT Services (www.twentyfourit.co.uk)
Round 3, Saturday 4th November, Castle Park, KO 2.30pm
Nottingham announced 9 new signings with a mixture of youth and experience to help further develop the squad!
Antonio ‘TJ’ Harris – hooker signed from Jersey Reds, ‘learned his trade’ at Nottingham.
Ellis Mee – winger signed from West Bridgford, also part of the NTU performance pathway.
Jake Bridges – prop signed from Coventry RFC.
Kai Owen – prop signed from Doncaster Knights.
Richard Clift – number 8 signed from Warringah Rats Rugby Club.
Ronnie Du Randt – outside centre progressing through the NTU performance pathway.
Sam Green – second row signed from US Bergerac Rugby.
Sebastian Ferreira – second row signed from Sao Miguel, also part of the NTU performance pathway.
Will Yarnell – scrum half signed from Doncaster Knights.
These signings have proved to be favourable because the Archers are unbeaten after their first 2 games, racking up the highest points scored of any team in the Championship (but only 4 higher than the Knights). However, Coventry have only played one game and they are due to play London Scottish as their second, they could overtake Nottingham or Ealing after their second game is played because they’ve already scored 45 points in the 1 game. That will obviously depend on this weekend’s results but be aware of them even though they are currently fifth. Although it’s too early to look at standings in the Championship league table, you can’t help doing it!
Last Saturday the Archers welcomed Ampthill to The Bay and amputated their defence after running in 7 tries to Ampthill’s 4 in their 41-28 solid victory. At least Ampthill scored a try bonus point after scoring 4 tries, therefore, the Archer’s defence isn’t impregnable. Nottingham tries were scored by centre Joseph Woodward, left wing Harry Graham, fly half Morgan Bunting, outside centre Marcus Ramage (2), replacement hooker Harry Clayton and second row Come Joussain. Bunting had an off day with the boot after converting just 3 of the 7 tries.
Ampthill converted all 4 of theirs, their tries were scored by breaking through a gap in the defence twice, passing out to the wing from a driving maul and strength breaking a tackle to score. Possibly areas to exploit? Ampthill were leading with 15 minutes to play but the Archers rallied to score 3 tries. It was nearly 4 but a try was disallowed after right wing David Williams was adjudged as stepping over the dead ball line before touching down.
The Knights also recorded a nine-try demoralising victory against Championship newcomers Cambridge RFC, 14-61. Knight try-scorers were scrum half Alex Dolly’s hattrick, fly half Bily McBride, left wing Jack Metcalf, inside centre Connor Edwards, outside centre Joe Margett’s brace and hooker Cameron Terry. Dolly converted8 7 of them to take his individual points haul against Cambridge to 31 29. Russ Bennett converted the 8th one. (Thanks John).
After just 2 games played, it's too early to look at the league table ‘but’ Nottingham are 2nd and the Knights are a point behind in 3rd. Together with top-placed Ealing Trailfinders, we are 1 of 3 teams to have not lost a game yet. That will change on Saturday (even a draw is not a win!)
Championship games taking place this weekend:
All on Saturday 4th November
Ampthill v Coventry
Bedford Blues v Hartpury University
Caldy v London Scottish
Doncaster Knights (3) v Nottingham (2)
Ealing Trailfinders v Cambridge
Jersey Reds v Cornish Pirates
NOW - Saturday 11th November
Bedford Blues v Hartpury University (thanks John)
COYK
DONNY, DONNY, DONNY…
sponsored by Twenty Four IT Services (www.twentyfourit.co.uk)
Round 3, Saturday 4th November, Castle Park, KO 2.30pm
Nottingham announced 9 new signings with a mixture of youth and experience to help further develop the squad!
Antonio ‘TJ’ Harris – hooker signed from Jersey Reds, ‘learned his trade’ at Nottingham.
Ellis Mee – winger signed from West Bridgford, also part of the NTU performance pathway.
Jake Bridges – prop signed from Coventry RFC.
Kai Owen – prop signed from Doncaster Knights.
Richard Clift – number 8 signed from Warringah Rats Rugby Club.
Ronnie Du Randt – outside centre progressing through the NTU performance pathway.
Sam Green – second row signed from US Bergerac Rugby.
Sebastian Ferreira – second row signed from Sao Miguel, also part of the NTU performance pathway.
Will Yarnell – scrum half signed from Doncaster Knights.
These signings have proved to be favourable because the Archers are unbeaten after their first 2 games, racking up the highest points scored of any team in the Championship (but only 4 higher than the Knights). However, Coventry have only played one game and they are due to play London Scottish as their second, they could overtake Nottingham or Ealing after their second game is played because they’ve already scored 45 points in the 1 game. That will obviously depend on this weekend’s results but be aware of them even though they are currently fifth. Although it’s too early to look at standings in the Championship league table, you can’t help doing it!
Last Saturday the Archers welcomed Ampthill to The Bay and amputated their defence after running in 7 tries to Ampthill’s 4 in their 41-28 solid victory. At least Ampthill scored a try bonus point after scoring 4 tries, therefore, the Archer’s defence isn’t impregnable. Nottingham tries were scored by centre Joseph Woodward, left wing Harry Graham, fly half Morgan Bunting, outside centre Marcus Ramage (2), replacement hooker Harry Clayton and second row Come Joussain. Bunting had an off day with the boot after converting just 3 of the 7 tries.
Ampthill converted all 4 of theirs, their tries were scored by breaking through a gap in the defence twice, passing out to the wing from a driving maul and strength breaking a tackle to score. Possibly areas to exploit? Ampthill were leading with 15 minutes to play but the Archers rallied to score 3 tries. It was nearly 4 but a try was disallowed after right wing David Williams was adjudged as stepping over the dead ball line before touching down.
The Knights also recorded a nine-try demoralising victory against Championship newcomers Cambridge RFC, 14-61. Knight try-scorers were scrum half Alex Dolly’s hattrick, fly half Bily McBride, left wing Jack Metcalf, inside centre Connor Edwards, outside centre Joe Margett’s brace and hooker Cameron Terry. Dolly converted
After just 2 games played, it's too early to look at the league table ‘but’ Nottingham are 2nd and the Knights are a point behind in 3rd. Together with top-placed Ealing Trailfinders, we are 1 of 3 teams to have not lost a game yet. That will change on Saturday (even a draw is not a win!)
Championship games taking place this weekend:
Ampthill v Coventry
Doncaster Knights (3) v Nottingham (2)
Ealing Trailfinders v Cambridge
Jersey Reds v Cornish Pirates
NOW - Saturday 11th November
Bedford Blues v Hartpury University (thanks John)
COYK
DONNY, DONNY, DONNY…
