Super 8s justify their nickname

As coaches we roll out of bed on Sunday's through the season and think about what areas we want to work on, where the players can improve, and what each of the players offer as an individual. For me, Sunday brought it all together. Both sides surpassed expectations. The boys attitudes and behaviour surpassed their years.

With the teams split and sent to opposite ends of the field, every fixture clashed. My squad of Oli, George, Jake, Monty, Freddy, Charlie, William and Brommers started against Tonbridge Judds with a draw. We never looked the weaker team, constantly attacking and really scoring the pick of the tries. Admiring comments from the rival spectators were gratefully received and credit to the TJ boys they kept in touch and got their equaliser on the last play to blot our perfect start.

Next up were group favourites Sevenoaks. The boys were encouraged to sharpen their defence and tag the opposition senseless, then take their chances to score. Monty put everything in the way, and in true 'Roquey' style never shed a tear as he was carried off with a badly bruised knee. The reaction from the Sevenoaks coaches at the end said it all. 4-3 to Sidcup was not the result they were expecting. Cue the dignified silent Sidcup celebration.

We demolished Blackheath leaving us a win against Ashford away from topping the group. But Ashford turned out to be the surprise package for us. They ran as straight and strong as us in a thrilling encounter. A few mistakes from the ref (in particular not keeping count of the tags and awarding Sidcup with a turn over) meant we enjoyed less possession than we are used to. With us a try down, 'last play' was called Freddy mate a dart and dived for the line. From where I was it looked like a legitimate try (not even bias!!) but the ref saw it differently, (purely as a side note I mention he was the Sevenoaks coach!?!?!?) The other fixtures didn't go our way so we found ourselves, having played the best 'team' rugby, not only of the boys short development but amongst all the teams in our group, coming in third. So into the bowl against Ash RFC. The boys made short work of this match. The result was beyond doubt by half time. All meaning we steamroll on to the finals day on the 26th April.

As I mentioned earlier...

Over on the other pitch, expertly lead by Neil Jenkins, the other squad demolished every team put in front of them in the group stages. This just goes to show the strength and depth we have, and highlights the wonderful problem I have with selections!!! In the brief spells I had watching them, I couldn't fail to be impressed with the style in which they played. Fantastic support running, flat, organised defensive lines, and ruthless tagging....

Perfection. To top it off a draw in the finals qualifier match allowed coach Neil to demonstrate his prowess in the coin toss to win us a double booking on finals day. Absolutely brilliant!!!!