Scouts Blues win Saints U9s Festival.

Blues win the Saints festival.

The Saints festival was the first time many of our players had experienced a competitive tournament environment. Although at times it may have felt a little like a whirlwind, it will provide valuable experience.

We entered three teams into the festival. This allowed all our squad to participate. There will be subsequent festivals and tournaments this season whereby we can only enter one or two teams. There will also be occasions when we are required to send only our strongest team.The Saints festival is designed to be an friendly, inclusive day for all participants and hopefully this goal was achieved.

The Greens were made up of some of our newer players and a few old heads. Although they found it tough going in their first pool, they began to find their feet in the second stage. They gained the win they both deserved and craved and will have also benefited from experiencing a competitive environment in which to play sport. Well done guys for playing the game in the correct spirit.

The Reds shot off like rocket in their first pool game, however found the next couple of games a little tougher. We re-grouped, discussed teamwork, commitment and the tackle following the defeats and the reaction was immediate. The Reds were extremely unlucky not to top their pool in the final stages, losing out on a try count back. The Reds played some super rugby in the final stages and the defensive line and tackling in the last match was immense.

The Blues continued their solid work from Bedford festival by winning their second tournament of the season. We were a little concerned that the length of the games may not allow us to make an impact, however the 'Boys and Bella' were dominant once again. The Blues won 8 out of 8 on the day. They topped their opening pool and then progressed to top the winners pool in the final stages. The children also got to walk out on the pitch at half time to receive their medals.

Well done all.