Sunday 14th March 2010

UNDER 7 HAMPSHIRE TAG TOURNAMENT AT WINCHESTER

The day started with the sun shining and with very high expectations. Upon arrival, the pool was reduce in size as Vectis and Eastleigh didn’t show, therefore leaving games with US Portsmouth, Romsey & our arch nemesis New Milton.
The day continued brightly — our first game against US Portsmouth became a tightly fought affair, with tries being traded on an almost one for one basis. The excellent quality of rugby in this game really set the standards for things to come for the rest of the day with Totts running out eventual winners 4 –3.
The next game, New Milton, proved a more difficult affair and with potentially six games to be played throughout the course of the day, squad rotation and teams tactics would play an important part in proceedings (each player is only allowed to play a maximum of 5 games). The young Totts' squad accepted the rotation system well and were all very mature about taking their turn “on the bench”. New Milton ran out eventual winners 2 – 6, however Totts' heads never dropped and the will to play quality rugby was rewarded by two late tries, created by superb running and exemplary support being the key. These two tries were to prove essential as proceedings throughout the day were to unfold.
Squad rotation strategy played a similar role against Romsey. Having taken a first half lead of two tries, Romsey battled back and narrowly won the game 3 – 4 with the final play of the game.
With the pool stages completed, a third place finish was achieved and progression to the quarter finals of the plate competition was ensured.
Another closely fought game ensued against Petersfield. Totts once again took the lead, but were never really allowed to pull away from a competitive north Hampshire outfit. Totts ultimately won 4 – 3.
Basingstoke dispatched Fordingbridge in their quarter final and lay waiting for the men in green from Water Lane, who were growing increasingly confident.
A dazzling start saw Tottonians take a two nil half time lead, but lapses in concentration and perhaps complacency saw Basingstoke sneak two tries in the second half, a lead which perhaps a fresher Totts' side would not have squandered! The final score of 2 –2 resulted in an agonising wait while tournament organisers determined which team was to progress to the final, as no extra time would be played.
Visions of the Trojans tournament, earlier in the season, were beginning to emerge, where points difference in the pool stages would determine the finalist. I couldn’t face not progressing, again — through drawing a semi! I knew that our points difference was minus four for our pool games, which on the face of it. didn’t sound promising. As the teams lined up opposite each other, there was a distinct tension in the air, with players and parents alike. It was announced that Basingstoke had a points difference of minus six. Totts were in the final against Andover!
Having been playing since 10.00 a.m. and it now being 3.00 p.m., you could see from everyone’s body language that both teams were weary from a long, hard day’s work. This led to a very open game of rugby, where teams took it almost in turns to score. Andover had two very strong runners which ultimately told, giving them a 4 – 6 victory.
The runners up medal, received by all, was justly deserve for all the hard work and effort, not only throughout the day, by for the whole season. A grand effort by everyone (including fantastic support and encouragement by a wonderful bunch of mums & dads). Well done to everyone!

The Squad seen below, (not in order) with coaches Miles Northover and Jess Collis:
Olly Geddes (c); Jude Venn; Ben Griffin; Michael Eager (vc); Harrison Sales;
Liam Mouland; Keegan Peters; Lee Knowles; Felix Northover; Joshua Barrett

CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS

Miles Northover

Sunday 18th October 2009

TROJANS' TOURNAMENT — UNDER 7s REPORT

WOW! Massive congratulations to all those Totts who represented the Under Sevens. The rugby played was superb and the quality that all players showed to step up our games when playing class opposition was incredible. The sure signs that quality players are already emerging.
The first game saw us beat Trojans 4 –3. A close, exciting game with Totts emerging as eventual worthy winners.
The second game saw some more pedigree rugby, but we were unable to conquer the nemesis of New Milton As, who beat us 2 – 4 (again!).
In the final pool game we took on Romsey Wasps, who we overcame with a comfortable 3 – 1 score line to finish second in our group. Once again we made it through to the Cup Competition, scoring a total of 9 tries in process.
For the Cup semi final we were drawn against the runaway winners of Pool B, Alton. They had scored fifteen tries during their pool stages, an average of five a game!
Alton started strongly and were two tries ahead by half time. However, the character of the little Totts' men promptly emerged and the deficit soon overcome. The final score was 5 – 5. The rules of the competition gave Alton the route through to the final, having scored more tries during the pool stages. Alton were then comprehensively beaten in the final by New Milton A.
The day was a huge success for the ever-improving Totts' squad. To lose one game to the ultimate winners was a fantastic achievement. The fact we exited the competition in the semi final did not reward the lads to the extent they all deserved.
Your rewards will come – stick at it and very well done.
See you all next week for training as usual.

Miles Northover

TROJANS' TOURNAMENT — UNDER 8s REPORT

Well, what can I say? We had a fantastic day and reached the final of the Plate competition, where we were narrowly beaten by Romsey Wasps 7 – 6!
The Under 8s really have come along way this year, and it is still only early on in the season. Semi finals of the plate at New Milton, then the final last weekend — I am sure that it won't be long before we will be competing for the main cup. In fact, we missed out on the main cup semi's by only one or two points in the group stages at both tournaments!
I would like to say a huge well done to the Under 8s, What a pleasure it is to be coaching such a great bunch of children! Also a huge thanks to the parents who are turning up and supporting the team week in week out.
The results for last week were:
Pool Games: Trojans Lions 7 Totts 1; Totts 7 Overton 5; Basingstoke 4 Totts 4
Semi's: Trojans Tigers 4 Totts 5
Final: Totts 6 Romsey Wasps 7
The final was a fantastic game where we came from 3 tries behind to very nearly force the draw and a count back. Dylan Stephenson won our player of the tournament this week, so well done Dylan!

Paul Goodall

Sunday 4th October 2009

NEW MILTON FESTIVAL — UNDER 7s REPORT

I just wanted to pass on my thanks and congratulations to all those involved with the Under 7s on Sunday. Looking back on the day, you will all agree that making the semi-finals of the CUP competition was an exceptional achievement. Remembering especially how difficult it was to get a squad together in the first place, so thanks for Lee and Felix (under 6s) and Jo and Charlie (under 8s) who helped us out so well on the day.
In overall terms, out of the eight Under 7’s teams entered, we effectively finished equal third, and were knocked out by the team which ultimately won the competition!
For those who didn’t make it, our results were:
Pool Stages:
Trojans – Won 4 – 2;
New Milton I (Losing Finalists) – Lost 4 – 2;
Oakmeadians – Won 6 – 2.
CUP Semi Final:
Ellingham & Ringwood (Ultimate Winners) Lost 7 – 4.
Well done to the whole squad for a fantastic day of rugby. You can be very proud of the exceptional rugby you all played at the festival. Well Done.

Miles Northover

NEW MILTON FESTIVAL — UNDER 8s REPORT

A huge thank you for everyone's support at the New Milton tournament on Sunday. It was a fantastic day and the team played brilliantly! It was great to see all our children doing the things we have been working on at training and really enjoying themselves. To win two games, draw a game and get into the semi-finals at a tournament this early in the season is a great achievement, so who knows what we can do for the rest of the year!
I would also like to thank Joseph and Charlie for helping out the Under7s, I know Miles and the players really appreciated it.
A big thank you to all of you who put the gazebo up and packed it up again at the end. The results were:
Pool:
Tottonians 4 Romsey 4,    Tottonians 5 Fordingbridge 3,
Tottonians 2 Ellingham 3,    Tottonians 5 Oakmedians 4
Semi Final:
Tottonians 0 Bournemouth 6

Paul Goodall

Sunday 6th October 2002

Under 12’s win cup at New Milton Festival

Our under 12s retained the trophy they have won for the last 4 years. They started their run as Under 9s and have been victorious ever since. Every member of the team played well, in attack and defence, scoring 14 tries, converting 12 with only one scored against.

The results went as follows —
GROUP STAGE —  Guernsey (12 – 0);  Romsey (14 – 0); New Milton (35 – 0)
SEMI FINAL —  Dorchester (28 – 5)
FINAL —  Swanage (5 – 0) 

The tackling and defence in the final was so fierce that the majority of the game was played in the opposition half.

The squad for the day was:– Ashley Barnes; Andy Bega; Mark Blair; Tim Brookes: Emma Broomfield; Matt Dolbear; Will Hubbard; Andy Hurden; Rob Lewis; Scott Rogers; Ryan Seabright; Jonathan Speight; Jack Waterman; Josh Young.

PETE FOTHERGILL

Sunday 23rd March 2002

TOTTS UNDER 11's
RUNNERS UP — HAMPSHIRE TOURNAMENT

A spirited side put in a great performance but were beaten by HAVANT in the HAMPSHIRE TOURNAMENT, which was played at Winchester.

Sunday 25th November 2001