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Message
from the Coach:
U10 VALLEY FORT ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2007/08 SEASON
- Awards Recipients
- Player of the Year: Charlie Cranston
- Valley Fort Spirit Merit Award: Sebastian Pasha
- Squad Officials
Coaches: Eric Baradat, Nigel Beattie, Nick Cranston, Nick Deal, Jeroen Drost, Anthony Fasso, Neil Galloway, Hugh Garway, Damien Lafaurie, Jenkin Leung, Nick Pasha, David Seex, Anne Shearer, Dougie Shearer, Andrew Sheppard
Photographer: Stephan Truchot
Administrator: Alexis Tse
- Representative Players
Cameron Banker, Hadrien Baot, Thomas Baradat, William Beattie, Alexander Boyle, Neil Bradley, Jean Guillaume Brasier, Edward Brown, Victor Cambournac, Peter Carroll, Max Chalk, Ethan Chiu, James Christopoulos, Charlie Cranston, Paul Dalmas, Charlie Davidson, Jack Deal, David Drost, Alban Douady, Alexander Fasso, Ben Fletcher, Louis Fleury, Cameron Galloway, Piers Garway-Templeman, Arnaud Gillard, Archie Hall, Thomas Hall, Nicholas Hou, Victor Lafaurie, Theodore Leung, Sebastian Pasha, Gus Pasin, Albert Pearce, Charlie Riley, Oliver Seex, Andrew Shearer, James Sheppard, Henry Speeks, Nicolas Tison, Victor Truchot, Wai chung Tse
My apologies if I have omitted any players.
- Festival Results
- DEA Tigers Festival on 4th November 2007: P12, W9, L1, D2, TF48, TA7
- Sandy Bay Festival on 25th November 2007: P10, W7, L1, D2, TF48, TA7
- Singapore Tour on 1st December 2007: P10, W5, L3, D2, TF17, TA5
- Flying Kukris Festival on 9th December 2007: P9, W7, L1, D1, TF33, TA6
- Tai Po Dragons Festival on 13th January 2008: P9, W8, L1, D0, TF26, TA5
- HKFC Festival on 9th March 2008: P9, W8, L0, D1, TF29, TA4
- HK Sevens Showcase Games on 29th March 2008: P2, W0, L1, D1, TF1, TA2
- Aberdeen Festival on 27th April 2008: P3, W2, L1, D0, TF9, TA2
SUMMARY TOTAL: Played 64, Won 46, Lost 9, Drew 9, Tries Scored 189, Tries Conceded 36
The above yields a 72% win ratio versus a 14% loss ratio with an average of 3 tries scored per game and 0.6 tries conceded per game.
- Season Report
The above results are an impressive compliment to the efforts and endeavours of a good sized squad with the familiar names being joined by a number of new arrivals. In addition to new Laws applying this season, the players had to adapt to being allocated to Forwards and Backs and employing new techniques and strategy as well as a more physical game with greater defence and less space. On the whole great strides were made as the season progressed although there is still considerable work required on certain facets of the game as well as playing for the full match without taking our foot off the gas, eye off the ball (literally and figuratively) and ensuring we do the basics well. At times we lacked cohesion (notwithstanding that we had to switch teams around), passing and catching was a bit hit and miss, scrums and lineouts were average, rucking and mauling were generally poor, communication was intermittent and positioning was sometimes lacking. Tackling was generally of a high standard, pressure on the opposition very visible, kickoffs/restarts and the follow up admirable as was the energy and commitment on display.
It was pleasing to see the new characters integrate well and some seasoned players warm to the game more than in previous seasons. Assuming we have many return next season, then we have a solid foundation to work with and are well placed to make significant progress.
It is fair to anticipate an even greater physicality, defences which are harder to break down, players from all clubs having a greater awareness of the requirements and responsibilities of their role and the game as a whole and teams being tightly knit so we will have to up our game in these aspects. Whether this involves grading our players and teams has yet to be decided but we can be sure many of our opponents do and will.
As ever, we had to say goodbye to a few players (and coaches), many of whom have been stalwarts of our squad, and they go with our thanks and best wishes – all are welcome back at any time and hope they take with them fond memories of their time at Valley Fort.
The Singapore Tour, the 7’s and the various Festivals in HK were a tremendous showcase for mini rugby in HK and the increasing popularity of the sport and our squad can be applauded for their contributions. However, without the tireless efforts of the members and officials who make the Club tick and, most importantly the coaches, we would not be the Club we are today. For our squad, the coaches and administrators have been nothing short of spectacular and it is their commitment, energy, skills and humour which has enabled the players to develop and, in conjunction with the parents, has provided an atmosphere which continues to draw increasing numbers every Sunday.
On a personal note, I feel very privileged to have worked with all the players and coaches over the years and am proud of their progress. I very much look forward to assisting Eric Baradat next season whom I am sure will inject many sound ideas, fun and initiatives which will enhance the experience for players, coaches and parents alike.
Thank you all for your support over the last few years.
Nick Pasha
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Administrative Manager 
