December's Grassroots Teams of the Month announced
Congratulations to the Teams of December.
Electronic Match Card allows everything from tries and points scored to best defensive performance and kick percentage record to be viewed for every team from level three to 12.
Congratulations to the Teams of December.
Ivybridge Women
Women’s Level 2&3
Women's Championship South West 2: P3 W3
- 14 – 31 v Cheltenham Ladies II
- 92 – 3 v Yeovil Women
- 24 – 31 v North Bristol Ladies
Captain Rachel Millier said: "In December, we had three games in a row, one at home and two away with a top of the table clash to finish. Our coaches challenged us to win all three and each week we celebrated the wins but knew we weren’t done until the 17 December.
“We were neck and neck the entire game against North Bristol; they pushed us right until the last minute. The whole team deserved all three wins, and I couldn’t be prouder of them. We can't wait to return in 2024!”
Ivybridge Women stats
Esher
Men’s Level 3&4
National League 2 East: P3 W3
- 62 – 20 v Worthing
- 19 – 38 v Dorking
- 43 – 36 v Westcombe Park
Esher have won Team of the Month for Men’s Level 3 and 4 for the second month in a row.
“The club is delighted that we are named team of the month for the second month running. The team’s performance has been due to hard work from everyone at the club and we are very happy to receive the award,” said Director of Rugby, Peter Winterbottom.
Esher stats
Guildford Gazelles Ladies
Women’s Level 4 to 6
Women's NC 1 South East (South): P3 W3
- 10 – 34 v Guernsey Ladies
- 46 – 5 v Aylesford Bulls Ladies
- 19 – 29 v Farnham Women
Guildford Gazelles Ladies are undefeated this season and top their league.
Head Coach Merlin Gape O’Donnell said: “December presented the Guildford Gazelles with an exciting challenge of three games in consecutive weeks which would test the strength in depth of the squad but most importantly, an opportunity to put the new style of play under pressure against three quality teams.
“However, the biggest accomplishment has been seeing the team bonding grow ever stronger throughout December with every training session full of smiles and laughter, despite the cold weather!”
Guildford Gazelles Ladies stats
Oxford Harlequins
Men’s Level 5
Regional 1 Midlands: P3 W3
- 8 – 50 v Syston
- 97 – 7 v Broadstreet
- 3 – 43 v Burton
“I was delighted with the performances in December. After conceding an average of 20.6 points per game in November, our focus was on defence. Jon Vermont, our forwards and defence coach, has done an incredible job with the group working on technique and strategy.
“The result was the points against average dropped to 6 points per game in December. Our attack functions well, but defence wins games at this level,” said Pete Davies, Head Coach.
Oxford Harlequins stats
Sidmouth
Men’s Level 6
Regional 2 Tribute South West
- 76 – 5 v Newton Abbot
- 50 – 0 v Wellington
- 20 – 34 v Teignmouth
Director of Rugby, John Dunn said: “We set a target to win the block of six games in the build up to Christmas. December saw us complete that by playing some excellent attacking rugby.
“Ultimately what was more pleasing through this period is having the lowest points against total. A solid and resolute defence giving us a great base to attack from. We’ve made our home ground The Blackmore a Fortress and the boys go out each week to defend it.”
Sidmouth stats
Braintree
Men’s Level 7
Counties 1 Essex: P3 W3
- 53 – 19 v Mavericks
- 7 – 41 v Campion
- 21 – 49 v East London
Head Coach James Herbert said: “This achievement is testament to the hard work the players have put in throughout the last three seasons at each and every training session and match. Week after week we are training and playing better, improving as individuals as well as a team.
"We do not rest on our laurels and therefore making everyone the best that they can be. The club environment helps support this as each and every member, starting from our growing youth and mini section, up to our seniors and founding members, play a vital part in supporting and running our club. This encourages player growth and the opportunity to excel, as can be seen from our results.
“These are exciting times, and we are only at the beginning of something very special.”
Braintree stats
Stewarts & Lloyds
Men’s Level 8
Counties 2 Midlands East (South): P3 W3
- 20 – 25 v Dunstablians
- 0 – 20 v Northampton Casuals
- 5 – 55 v Bedford Swifts
“We had 27 players play during the month of December, showing a great strength in squad depth, a strong "one club-our club" mentality and a real maturity to continue the 100% record into the new year.
“This season has gone from strength to strength for every player who has played or trained, and we will use this accolade for further fuel to achieve our goals this season,” said Coach Tom Cleary.
Stewarts & Lloyds
Men’s Level 8
Counties 2 Midlands East (South): P3 W3
- 20 – 25 v Dunstablians
- 0 – 20 v Northampton Casuals
- 5 – 55 v Bedford Swifts
“We had 27 players play during the month of December, showing a great strength in squad depth, a strong "one club-our club" mentality and a real maturity to continue the 100% record into the new year.
“This season has gone from strength to strength for every player who has played or trained, and we will use this accolade for further fuel to achieve our goals this season,” said Coach Tom Cleary.
“We have worked hard throughout the season to be the best we can and recognitions like this will only motivate us even more to succeed in the future. The team has grown massively on and off the pitch over the past 6 months, which has put us in a great position heading into 2024,” added Devon Reilly, Club Captain.
Stewarts & Lloyds stats
Dartmouth
Men’s Level 9 to 12
Counties 3 Tribute Devon South & West: P3 W3
- 8 – 52 v Paignton II
- 12 – 46 v Plymstock Albion Oaks II
- 51 – 5 v Old Technicians
Andrew Tomkinson, Team Manager said: "December was a great month for Dartmouth finishing the year with 13 league wins. It was great to see so many young home-grown players competing and performing so well this season.
“The likes of Lewis Sharam, Brogan Taylor and Josh Squires have really cemented their first team places and will only get better throughout the season. Young scrum half Billy Colthart ran in 7 tries during December including a hat trick away at Paignton II and with 30 points from the boot of Sam Churchill, the half backs have had a great month.
“It's important to recognise teams and players but every member and supporter of Dartmouth Rugby Club has earned this award so thank you to all of our supporters, players and staff.”
Dartmouth stats
