Under 15's win silverware at Colchester tournament

Firstly, full credit must go to Colchester organisers and ground staff. After such atrocious weather conditions leading up to and during the tournament, it would have been quite easy to call off the event. But with their committment and some reorganising of pools, the tournament went ahead.

Wold travelled with a squad of 17 players but yet again showed that they compete as a squad even against larger squads on the day.

First up in some torrential rain (and we thought it could be bad on the common!), was Brentwood Harts. Some fine tackling from the centre partnership of Connor and Jacob and some equally fine play on the forwards from Tim, Alex Ollie and Pablo. With 7 minute halves it was imperative to score early, and after good work in the pack it was Jacob B who drove over the line to score an unconverted try. Wold defended resolutely with Jens and Sam putting in the hard work. Southwold secured their second try after Callum used quick ball to Jake, he timed his pass well to Jacob E who in turn found Darius to speed down the wing and score. 10-0 win in first game.

Second game in group was against Stowmarket, and as usual with these games both teams gave their all. Jacob E put in a great cover tackle on their flying winger, before Darius outpaced the Stow defence to score. Phill was looking to run hard with ball in hand, and always made ground. With Alex and Ollie both looking to take ball on, Stow knew they had to tackle hard to stop Wold from crossing again. The second half saw Keiran make good metres on the right, and after Stow infringed it was Ollie who took the ball over the line. Chris was unlucky with the conversions early on, as the weather played havoc with the ball in the air. A fine 22 drop out nearly paid dividends as Callum spotted Darius wide, who collected but was chased down after gaining a good 50metres. After more good defence from Phill and Hugo, Callum found Connor who stepped and outpaced the defence to score and give Southwold the 15-0 win.

Last up in this group stage was Colchester Ravens, but the first half went by in a hurry and Wold never got in the game. Credit to Colchester as they upped their game and stopped Wold from using the ball, and they secured a half time lead of 0-10. Half time talk was brisk and to the point, and we saw a totally different second half! After good ball possession from the pack, they made ground through Pablo and Alex. As they came close to the line it was Jacob B who again went over to score in the corner. Chris then struck a sublime conversion to bring Wold to within 3 points. Ball recovery was now key. Ollie took the ball well and as the pack again combined well, Jake made good field advantage. the backs then spread the ball wide and Darius went over in the corner to take the lead. Chris again converted one of the hardest kicks and Wold won through with a 14-10 score.

After some time Wold were to play Norwich in the semi-final, but Norwich had decided to leave the tournament. Therefore it was a final against Bury Wolves.

Wold were now down to 16 fit players as Tim's back problem reared up again. A tense first half as both teams tackled hard and covered the field well to ensure breaks were limited. Keiran took the ball well at full back and made good ground, Blondie also made good ground as did Phil with his powerful running. Player for player, the team tackled and fought hard to create turnover ball, but the half finished scoreless. Southwold upped the intensity in the second period, and looked to have scored when Pablo went over the line. Not to be put off, he then scored his first try for the club (in his last game before going back to Spain) after he picked up from the base of the ruck and dived over. Chris then converted from out wide to take a 7-0 lead. Tired legs and aching limbs were forgotten as the boys stopped Bury breaking through. Wold came close through Darius and Alex, but it was Connor who scored as he sped through and drifted past the Bury defence to slide over and secure the 12-0 win.

A fine performance from all of the players, well done to Phill in his first outing, and a nice touch from the squad to let Pablo go up and lift the silverware.