Lexus Festival

My usual post festival write up - and just want to say how proud I was of the boys today....we came up against some of the toughest teams in the area and didn't give an inch. I think its fair to say we didn't play our most fluent attacking rugby - the pitches were at the smaller end of what we'll play on this season, and a few basic errors put us under the cosh unnecessarily a few times, but our defensive display was very impressive....especially in the early games before we inevitably tired.

If I remember correctly our pool games today were:

Sidcup 0 - Newbury 1
Sidcup 0 - Old Whitgiftians 0
Sidcup 3 - Whistable 2

So after the group games we'd won 1, lost 1, drawn one and only conceded 3 tries in 3 games.....however the other results and tries scored difference conspired to place us 3rd in our group and a play off against Tonbridge Juddians. TJ's are a very well resourced club coached by an ex pro who is now the RFU coaching co-ordinator for the SE of England, so we knew they'd be well drilled. Another tight game ensued as both teams went for it hammer and tongs: Sidcup 3 - TJ's 3

and so onto our final game of the day which was to play Whitstable again......obviously our boys had put in a lot of effort and some tired errors meant we'd left ourselves a mountain to climb by being 4 nil down at half time.....now I'd like to think my half time rant, sorry I mean inspirational team talk, made the difference....I just asked them all to forget the score, go out and play with pride for the shirt and for each other - and boy did they deliver as we got it back to Sidcup 4 - Whistable 4. Another couple of minutes on the clock and I'm sure we'd have won......

So, after a tough days rugby - as always interspersed with some great play, big tackles, the odd knock and we'd played 5 and only lost 1; a real testament to the boys commitment. Thanks to all parents, family and friends for their support, thanks to the other squad members who turned up to support, man the gate, sell the cakes etc etc and hope you all had a good day. We're back to training next week and I know the stuff we need to work on - but for now be proud of the squad today - I know I am....

Well played to John - player of the week - some big tackles and always a willing ball carrier - scored and set up tries - well played John.

Thanks to all the clubs for attending and contributing some really good, strong but fair play - and also well done to Rosslyn Park - who were easily the best team in our age group (and most of the others) and go onto the national finals of this tournament.....the video analysis carried out by the U9s coaching team (I'm not joking, they take it that seriously) clearly paid dividends!!