U10s Saints Tournament

On Saturday the U10s took part in the annual Saints Tournament. The weather conditions were far from ideal with heavy rain at first and a cold wind blowing. The squad's cause was not helped with Callum unable to play due to feeling unwell before kick-off coupled with being drawn in a very strong group. The team faced some familiar opponents and with a little luck could have progressed further.

Match 1 vs ON's. Drew 2-2
This was a great effort against the eventual winners of the competition with Scouts coming within a hairs breadth of a deserved victory.
The match began with ONs attacking, but good defensive work kept them out until just before halftime when the pressure eventually paid off.
More good defence and some strong forward play saw Scouts on the attack and being forced into touch short of the line. However, from the resulting line-out Ethan stole the ONs put-in to bring Scouts level. ONs came straight back and re-took the lead. However, the boys never gave up and Sam levelled the score again with a stong run to the corner. With the last play of the match it appeared as though Sam had gone over again to give Scouts a fantastic victory, but the referee
decided that he had a foot in touch. Nevertheless, this was a superb effort from the boys.

Match 2 vs Long Buckby. Lost 3-1
Following on from the first match the boys had no time to catch their breath before the second game. Having already faced these opponents twice already this season we knew what to expect. Sure enough Buckby were soon on the offensive and scored twice to make the half-time score 2-0.
This could have resulted in the boys' heads dropping, but far from it. They came out in defiant mood with some big tackles from Lawrenze in particular giving Buckby a torrid time. However somewhat against the run of play Buckby did score again. Once again though the boys came back and scored a thoroughly deserved try when Ethan forced his way over near the end.

Match 3 vs Banbury. Lost 3-0.
This proved to be one game too far. Despite good work in the set scrum, inability to use possession cohesively and the opposition's strength going forward meant we were working too often on the back foot. (Thanks Mark).
The game ended with a head injury to Sam, but thankfully following a check-up in hospital he was released and able to join the trip to Stadium MK (see below).

This was the first time that this age group have been able to field 2 squads for a tournament. This reflects greatly on the coaching team and is a very positive step for this age group to take forward. Well done everyone!

Following the tournament, a group of boys, parents & coaches went to Stadium MK to see the epic Saints vs Munster clash. A great evening had by all and thanks to everyone involved in organising the trip.
Following this the lads were given a day off on Sunday and a well deserved lie in.