We had a super day out at the Winchester festival. Many tough matches, but we went through the day unbeaten with the team displaying huge determination and a lot of skill along the way.
We got off to a flying start against Lockheath, with some cracking individual tries from the likes of the powerful Wilbur, rapid Monty, and team tries finished off by Lucas and new player Basti (with an explosive sidestep).
We managed to shut out Trojans for most of our match. Determined aggressive defence from Astrid bringing many a turnover with huge leg drive (a feature for much of the day).
Our match with local rivals Winchester was a stern test. Reuben was exceptional as ever in the ruck, displaying perfect technique and taking on some big opponents to win the ball. It was a real tussle that ended in a draw.
Wins against Gosport & Fareham and Romsey followed. The team did brilliantly to keep energy levels up. Big shout out to recent joiner Archie who passed just at the right time to allow the physical Josh to crash over for glory. Josh then showed off some great hands and poacher’s instinct to score a vital interception try.
Elliot used his speed to get bag another absolute scorcher, but even more pleasing was his tackle count – really stepping up for his team.
Cas and Wilbur kept on coming all day with bullocking runs at the opposition, which made a huge difference. Shout out to Lucas who also made a try saver (goalie gloves optional) against Romsey.
One would have forgiven the children if they had limped into our final match against Salisbury. Our opponents are well known to us and are big, fast and skilful.
It was a cracking match, superb to watch, with a loud and excited crowd, with good reason. Cas, who had been heavily involved in making the hard yards all day, gave a silky offload to Zack to score. Zack (our smallest player) showed amazing bravery and perfect technique for a try saving tackle to keep the scores at 1-1 for halftime.
We let one try in early in the second half. But then we scored another brilliant team try passing down the line. Freddie, whose distribution and hard hits were top drawer, linked up with Cas, Archie and Reuben, to send hot stepper Monty over again.
It was neck and neck, but there was some super rugby from both sides and Basti, going close for a score.
Salisbury then looked to sew up the win, with some great pace shown on the outside. However, Bear (who was the day’s top tackler) showed typically huge heart and work rate to get back and put in, what only be described as a monster hit into touch.
It ended at 2-2, with the Salisbury coach describing the match, as “even better than watching the Heineken Cup Final” [other beers are available].
What was particularly pleasing, was that this, like all matches was played in the right spirit.
We were extremely grateful to Winchester for hosting such a well run festival. As ever, the support of the parents, for what is, a long day, means so much to each member of the team.
I think the children enjoyed it. We can’t wait for the next one and the challenge it brings. A special day.
All Blacks
Japan
