It was muddy! It was wet! However, rather than bogged down the spirits were high for players, coaches and parents alike. It’s been a while since the boys had played competitively and to say they were ready for this festival would be an understatement.

The boys took it in turns to be captain and I don’t think any of them were lucky enough to win the toss, but this didn’t dent their enthusiasm. As soon as that first whistle blew they pounced and they just didn’t stop all day. The tagging was furious, the passing was precise and the support play was almost like the players had been glued to each other. It was incredible, after weeks of coaches speaking another language, that the players had all just clicked and were listening intently. With the exception of one zealous shriek from the side lines (yes Mr Lawes) the boys followed direction on and off the pitch and were impeccably behaved.

The first match against Beccehamians was close but trys from Henry Johnson, Louie Mason, Sam Spoor and George Fiander saw off the hosts 5-4. This was just the warm up. In match 2 we almost finished with a clean sheet after firing in 6 trys with Henry Lawes and Joel Perren also making it onto the score board. The third match (normally the dreaded turning point) was more of the same with a competent Medway being swept aside 5-3. Then on to match 4.

At this point the chaos and delays meant that the boys had to play on the spare pitch against the might of Old Colfeians. In the first half our players ran away with the match and we finished the first half 5 to nothing. Colfs then brought on their star player and before we knew where we were it was 5-4. The boys dug in and fought back to eventually finish this epic match 8-6. Colfs coaches were so taken by the fury of our defence they want to train with us again to pick up some tips; a great compliment.

Then on to the final match, by this point I had no nails left. We had kept our eye on Edenbridge who were proving to be the dark horse of the day and they were well organised. However, unshaken by the last encounter and amazingly as energetic at the first outing they pulled together again and fought off wave after wave from Edenbridge. Fast and furious was definitely the order of the day and after the quietest referee I have ever met blew the final whistle we were worhty of our 5-3 victory and most importantly a five match winning run.

The coaches were extremely proud of all the boys who were all great ambassadors for the club. Special mention to Myles Smith who battled through every match despite suffering from the cold and of course Henry Johnson who managed to get to double figures in his try tally for the day. Keep it up!