Match Reports:

Match report U14s v Grasshoppers 28/03/10

Grasshoppers, from Osterley, Heathrow gave league favourites, Dunstablians a fright in this top of the table clash. Grasshoppers started the better despite their long journey and after 5 minutes were 5-0 up after a surprise move. Dees remained on the back foot and found themselves a further try down 5 minutes later. With the home side 12 points down, Dees were slow to respond and conceded another try to go 17 -0 down at the break.

With the wind behind their backs, number 8, Charlie Burnett led the fight back with a good forwards try. Harry Barter failed to convert but some spirited play gave top try scorer, Lewis Taylor an opportunity to claw back the deficit to 7. With 10 minutes to go Taylor brought the scores to within 2 points, but try as they might Ds could only hold out for a 2 point loss.

Although Grasshoppers won the game, the margin of victory meant that Dees had done enough to claim the league title and will go to Wembley as league champions, before the Saracens v Harlequins match to receive their trophy on April 17th.

Report by Alex Burnett  

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Match report U14s v Datchworth 21/03/10

Dees put one hand firmly on the league trophy after a fantastic team effort against Datchworth.

Dees kicked off in almost perfect conditions against what looked to be a strong opposition but after just 7 minutes, they proved too much for the visitors with a well performed move up the centre which allowed top try scorer, Lewis Taylor, to break the defence with his pace and score under the posts for Harry Barter to easily convert. Dees followed up their good start with a further 2 tries in the first half by Taylor and Sam Lee, which were superbly converted by the in-form Barter. At times Datchworth looked strong but after some excellent forward play by the home side, they found themselves being driven back at every opportunity, and Dees finished the first half ahead 21-0.

Unfortunately for Datchworth, it was more of the same in the second half. Dees stepped up a gear with some excellent forward play securing the ball at the breakdowns and winning most of the scrums. After some quick thinking from scrum half Josh Klymyszyn, who dug the ball out from deep inside a pile of bodies, his pass allowed fly half Jarrad Jerome to take on and beat the Datchworth centre, then with a quick pass to Taylor, Dees were under the posts again. This was followed up by the fifth try of the game from Billy Wagstaff, who made a good run onto an inside pass from the fly half.

Datchworth looked down and out but after Dees made some substitutions they took their eye off the game. Datchworth took their chance and scored a well worked try from a strong drive by their forwards. Taylor, made his last 2 tries look easy and Jerome converted to seal Datchworths fate of relegation.

Overall it was a fantastic team effort with some outstanding personal performances from Tom Maslin, David Tuffen, Ben Hart, Jarrad Jerome, Sam Lee, and Toby Mead.

Dees now face Grasshoppers next week in their final league game, knowing that a win will see them lift the league trophy which will be presented at Wembley Stadium.

Report by Paul Jerome  

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Match report U14s v Olney 14/03/10

Playing into a strong wind, Ds started the better when winger, Lewis Taylor left his opposite number for dead as he ran 50 metres to open the scoring under the posts making the conversion easy for Harry Barter. The more powerful home team pack spent the rest of the half in Ds' 22 and the wind made it difficult for Ds to get out of their defensive area, but some brave defence, including the tackle of the season from full-back, Toby Mead on the huge Olney No 8, kept the scoresheet to nil at the break.

With the wind at their backs, Ds took advantage and used their superior backs well, and another strong run gave Taylor his second try. The lead was further extended by fly-half Jarrad Jerome who stepped inside his opposite number and ran in from 25 metres to score his first try of the season. Barter added a conversion and Ds led 19-0. Olney scored a consolation try but the game was sealed at the death when Jerome linked with a fine backs move to allow Taylor to score his hat-trick. Taylor was spotted by a Northampton Saints scout after the match and invited to train with the prestigious club.

The win was a good precursor to next week's penultimate league game against lowly Stevenage side, Datchworth. Ds will start as favourites, against a side second from bottom, but are aiming for maximum points as the race for the title comes to its climax.

On Wednesday, seven of Ds' U14s will represent Bedfordshire against Cambridgeshire away at Shelford. They are, forwards, David Tuffen and Charlie Burnett and backs, Jarrad Jerome, Billy Wagstaff, Lewis Taylor, Sam Lee and Toby Mead.

Report by Alex Burnett  

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Match report U14s v Hemel Hempstead 07/03/10

Ds moved one step closer to their target of seeing out the season unbeaten in the league with a clinical win at minnows, Hemel Hempstead. The home side were a man short, and Ds' flanker, Ben Crapper stepped up to offer his services, even though he knew that he would likely end up on the losing side. Ds were taking no chances, even though Hemel were without a league win at the foot of the table and started well with a steady stream of tries from Ollie Clarke, Tom Maslin and Charlie Burnett who scored his hat-trick before the break. Harry Barter slotted a couple of conversions to give Ds a 29-0 lead at the half.
 
The second half continued where Ds had left off and further converted tries from Harry Barter and Ciaran Mills sealed the match. A last try from top scorer, Lewis Taylor put the icing on the cake and gives Ds a great chance of winning the league. Stars of the day were Burnett with his hat-trick, an excellent performance from prop, Tom Maslin, and a brave show against his team-mates from Ben Crapper. Today's win moves Ds to the top of HML division 4, on points difference, level on points with co-leaders, Harrow, but with a game in hand.
 
The players were bolstered by the news that if they do win the league, they will be presented the trophy at Saracens' match against Harlequins at Wembley on 17th April. This will focus their minds for their remaining two matches, but first they will take a break from competitive rugby with a friendly away at Olney next Sunday.

Report by Alex Burnett  

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Match report U14s v Old Alvanians 21/02/10

Ds struck early in this hastily arranged friendly. Playing away at St Albans, Ds began well with No. 8 Charlie Burnett scoring a try from the unfamiliar position on the wing. It was clear that Ds were the better team but OAs kept close due to some questionable decisions from an obviously inexperienced referee. In fact although Lewis Taylor added another try, converted by Jarrad Jerome, OAs struck back to keep within a score, and go into the break only 10-12 down.
 
The second half was more of the same as both teams traded points with Harry Barter, back at fly-half converting his own try, followed by one for the home side to keep the visitors two points ahead. Unconverted tries followed from Ciaran Murphy and from Old Albanians, and at the death, a bizarre twist saw the home side kick the ball out of play to end the match, after receiving a penalty, when the referee assured them they were three points ahead. After the final whistle, OAs were devasted to discover the referee had miscounted and in fact Dunstablians had won the match by the narrow margin of two points.
 
Ds now turn their attention to the serious matter of the league when they will take on bottom side Hemel Hempstead in a fortnight.

Report by Alex Burnett  

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Match report U14s v Fullerians B 14/02/10

Four first half tries were enough to see Fullerians through to victory against a Dunstablians development team that didn’t find its stride until the second half of the game. Fullerians early ascendency was rewarded with a try and conversion after eight minutes. Their lead was extended six minutes later when the Fullerian backs broke through the Dunstablian defence to score in the corner. Although the subsequent conversion was missed, two more converted tries were to follow, giving the rampant Fullerian team an emphatic 26-0 lead by the half time interval.

The second half witnessed a reversal of fortune, in which a rejuvenated Dunstablian team continually threatened to breach the Fullerians try line. The visitors produced a more fluent brand of rugby that eventually yielded a well deserved try from the dynamic Ciaran Mills. This was converted from a difficult angle by Jarrad Jerome. Further spirited runs made by Ciaran Murphy and Daniel Gray underlined the Dunstablians' collective determination to reduce the deficit. With only five minutes to go, their pressure eventually told when Jack Norris received the ball out wide, running twenty metres to score a try that restored some Dunstablian pride. It was, however, not enough to prevent the Fullerians emerging as comfortable winners.

Report by Keith Brett  

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Match report U14s v Ampthill 07/02/10

Ds' excellent cup run came to an end against a big, powerful Ampthill side on Sunday. Ampthill who were red hot favourites started well and were two unconverted tries to the good after 15 minutes. A further penalty took the home side's lead to 13 at the break.

The second half saw Ds use the slope to their advantage and an intelligent crossfield kick from fly-half Jarrad Jerome saw a good chase end with a short penalty from which No. 8, Charlie Burnett caught the defence napping with a quick tap and barged over from 10 metres. Harry Barter failed to convert but more good attacking play saw Ds come to within a point after a trademark Lewis Taylor try, this time converted to make the score 12-13 to the home side.

Although Ds pack out-scrummaged and out-mauled their bigger opponents it was Ampthill who pulled clear after a fluffed kick out of defence gifted Ampthill an easy score under the posts. One more home try killed the game off with 5 minutes to go and they now meet either Kettering or Northampton Old Scouts in the semi-final.

Kicker, Harry Barter exemplified the spirit in the Ds team when he commented, "I would rather lose to a good team like Ampthill, than win against much weaker opponents". Skipper, Josh Klymyszyn led the team in the aprés match entertainment as five of the boys beat the hosts in a "boat race" drinking game to carry on the fine tradition of Dunstablians' reputation as a strong social side.

Ds now have two weeks off from competitive rugby and will await their next league match, a re-arranged fixture at home to Grasshoppers on 28th February.

Report by Alex Burnett 

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Match report U14s v Wasps B 24/01/10

Ds came one step closer to winning the HML league for the second successive year after an emphatic win over a good Wasps team. Playing against Wasps B who were promoted last season along with league champions Ds, the home side earned a bonus point in the first half after three tries from top scorer Lewis Taylor, and one from flanker Harry Barter who scored the try of the game, with all but one converted by Barter.

A 26-0 half time lead allowed Ds to bring on fresh legs and despite a deserved Wasps' try, Ds pressed on and a further score from county winger, Sam Lee killed the game off. Wasps were not finished though, and scored another converted try, before Ds' Number 8, Charlie Burnett crowned a fine performance with a try after a strong run from 20 metres out. Recent signing Ollie Clarke made it 50 at the end with a well angled run to move Ds into second place in the league.

The win puts Ds within 5 points of leaders Harrow with two games in hand. Next week's game is at home to London side, Grasshoppers who will prove a tough outfit and the result may well decide the outcome of the league as Ds aim to put pressure on Harrow at the top.

Report by Alex Burnett 

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Match report U14s v Luton 17/01/10

Dunstablians blew the cobwebs away with a win at Luton in a hastily arranged friendly.

Ds had not played since before Christmas and the rustiness showed, but despite a below par performance, the visitors were too strong for Luton and Lewis Taylor ran in two trademark tries before the break, both converted by Harry Barter.

Top scoring Taylor achieved his hat-trick in the second half, then capped a good game for the county winger when he scored a fourth to seal the win. Neither were converted against the wind, and Dees stepped off the gas and allowed a late consolation try for Luton.

The emphatic scoreline marked Dees first ever victory against their local rivals and bodes well for next week's league game at home to Wasps who were promoted along with Dees last season. Wasps sit in 3rd spot level on points with Dunstablians, and with the top two playing each other, a win could see Dees move up to 2nd in the league
 
Report by Alex Burnett 

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Match report U14s v Harrow 13/12/09

Dunstablians took a major step towards their goal of winning the league and gaining promotion for the second year running. Harrow were strong, as expected, but underestimated a well-prepared Ds side. Harrow stood unbeaten at the top of the table with three bonus point victories, so Ds knew they were up against worthy opponents. Ds were hampered by some notable players missing – we reluctantly said goodbye to back row, Joe Owen this week, who decided to change clubs;, illness forced late withdrawals from second row, Kealan Afford, wing, Ollie Clarke, and on the day, second row, Ben Hart. Ben Crapper and Paul Leversidge stepped into the starting squad and helped the forwards to a fine display.
 
On a cold winters day in Stanmore, Ds began strongly and several forays into opposition territory ended with No 8, Charlie Burnett picking up and driving from short distance after a well timed run into the 22 by Sam Lee. Harry Barter missed the conversion and the early 5 point lead laid the foundation for a powerful defensive performance, combined with occasional blistering runs from deep from Toby Mead, Billy Wagstaff, along with wingers Ciaran Murphy and Sam Lee. The pressure continued in the second half as fly half, Jarrad Jerome kept Harrow pinned back with sensible cross kicks. Top try scorer, Lewis Taylor scored a trademark try from long distance, converted by Barter to add more points for a 12-0 lead which Ds held until the final play. Harrow scored a deserved last gasp unconverted try for a 5 point consolation as time ran out for the hosts. The difference between the sides turned out to be commitment and passion as the boys ended bruised but triumphant.
 
They can take a well earned rest now from league and cup as they take on Milton Keynes at home on Friday under floodlights.
 
Report by Alex Burnett 

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Match report U14s v St Neots 6/12/09

Danger man Lewis Taylor scored four tries and proved the difference between the sides as round 2 of the East Midlands cup proved a close encounter.

In windy conditions Taylor scored the first of his four tries with a typical strong solo run through a mass of would-be defenders. Harry Barter failed to convert in difficult conditions and Ds took a 5-0 lead after only 5 minutes.

Ds' forwards overcame a heavier pack to give Taylor another chance shortly after, which he gratefully accepted. The try again went unconverted but it wasn't long before Taylor bagged his hat-trick, this time converted by Barter to give the visitors a comfortable 17-0 lead.

However iIt wasn't all one way traffic and St Neots managed an unconverted score after some good play against the elements. Just before half-time though, Ds were able to restore the 17 point lead when second-row Ciaran Mills crashed over from long range following a strong run.

The second half proved very different as the hosts took advantage of the wind behind them to cut the lead following two good tries, one converted as they edged to within 5 points. Taylor had the last word though with 10 minutes to go as he ran from deep to break the St Neots' resolve and run in under the posts. Barter converted and the 12 point lead proved unassailable, as St Neots managed a score, but only at the last play of the match.

Ds were happy to survive and earn a quarter-final draw against local rivals Ampthill on January 3rd. Ds now turn their attention to the league as next Sunday they travel to Harrow, who are unbeaten at the top of Herts and Middx league 4. Ds, on a confident roll, are aware that only their second league game next week could prove the game that decides the league title. Management will be keeping an eye on injury scares to key players Billy Wagstaff (hip) and man of the match, Charlie Burnett (hand) as the week progresses.

Report by Alex Burnett

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Match report U14s v Letchworth 15/11/09

Ds began the league season with a deserved victory against a game Letchworth side. Ds, last year's newly promoted champions, have set their sights on winning the league again and began well playing without a couple of key players.
 
An early try from Rob Snelling set up by Lewis Taylor set the visitors off in the right direction. Harry Barter scored his only successful kick of the day, and further tries came from Ollie Clarke, Lewis Taylor and Tom Maslin saw Ds ahead at the break 22-0. Especially satisfying for parents and coaches alike was the fact that Rob Snelling, Ollie Clarke and Tom Maslin scored their very first tries for the club.
 
The hosts struggled to make any headway after the break, and despite Ds taking their foot off the gas and having the luxury of resting players as they brought on replacements, Letchworth only managed a solitary consolation try.
 
Ds are now targetting the next league game at home to Grasshoppers who also won their first game 24-7, and sit level on points with Ds vying for 3rd place. Harrow and Wasps B top the table being undefeated and having played a game more than Ds.

Report by Alex Burnett

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Match report U14s v Biggleswade (Beds Cup) 1/11/09

Dunstablians were out for revenge in round 1 of the Beds Cup against a powerful Biggleswade outfit who knocked them out of the same competition last year at the quarter final stage. Under appalling conditions the two sides played some strong rugby with Biggleswade drawing first blood. Two tries, one converted put the visitors 12-0 in front, but top try scorer Lewis Taylor kept Ds in the game with an 80 metre run out of defence into the wind and rain to score a try under the posts. Harry Barter kicked the conversion and Ds held out until half time only 5 points behind.
 
Turning round with the elements at their backs, Ds created panic in the visitors' defence with a clever kick through which saw Sam Lee's chase rewarded with a try wide out to level the score. Outside-half, Barter was unable to make the conversion and the next 20 minutes were scoreless with a seemingly endless series of scrums as both teams tried in vain to play running rugby despite the weather. Ds almost capitalised on the conditions, with Lee's attempt at a second, potentially match-winning try being disallowed by the referee. With only minutes remaining the more powerful Biggys pack moved their team upfield and eventually proved too strong for the home side as their forwards crashed over to win the game by a solitary unconverted try.
 
Although the season's 100% record has now been broken, Ds hopes of silverware are still alive, as they travel to St Neots next week in round 2 of the East Midlands Cup.

Report by Alex Burnett

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Match U14s v Harrow B report 11/10/09

Both teams put out an experimental side for this "A" encounter. Ds proved too strong for the visitors as they kept their 100% record for the season intact. Ds coaches had the luxury of trying out a number of players in different positions and the players laid a strong foundation as both teams cancelled each other out with the first half remaining scoreless.

Having established a strong platform, Ds' forwards won good ball and took control after the break to set up tries for their speedy backs, Ciaran Murphy, Toby Mead and a brace for Lewis Taylor. Skipper, Josh Klymyzsyn playing in the unfamliar role of fly-half slotted three conversions before Harrow managed a late consolation converted try.

Ds have a well deserved rest next week before they meet Biggleswade in the first round of the Beds cup in a fortnight. In their current form they will go into the tie expecting another strong perfomance and will attempt to make amends for last year's narrow defeat at Biggleswade in the cup semi-final.

Report by Alex Burnett

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Match report U14s v Leighton Buzzard 25/09/09

Dunstablians U14s began their season with a hard fought win over very evenly matched neighbours Leighton Buzzard. The two teams met at Bidwell Park on Friday evening and experienced floodlit rugby for the first time.

In front of a large crowd of parents and supporters, Ds were the quicker off the blocks and an early foray into the opponents' half ended with a kickable penalty which fly-half, Harry Barter was happy to kick. The lead was further extended, shortly after by last season's top try scorer, Lewis Taylor, Barter adding the conversion to give Ds a comfortable 10 point lead.

However, Buzzard fought back with a couple of tries of their own either side of half time, and a penalty after a Ds' offside gave the visitors the lead for the first time.

The game then was contested furiously, the lead changing hands as Billy Wagstaff went over with Barter converting, then a try by Buzzard restoring their three point advantage.

The match was sealed with ten minutes to go when the strong running Taylor sped through to score his second try that eventually won the game for the proud home supporters. Barter converted for a faultless kicking display and Ds ended narrow victors.

Leighton Buzzard will consider themselves unlucky and are already planning their revenge in a return floodlit encounter later in the season. Forwards coach Ian Hart, although happy with the result, said that although the match blew a lot of pre-season cobwebs away, there is much work ahead on the training park.

Ds' captain Josh Klymyszyn was satisfied with the win and is already looking ahead to next week as they begin their campaign for silverware when they take on Rushden & Higham away in the first round of the East Midlands cup.

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Last season results here