U9's vs Diss & Woodbridge

The U9's won their first contact game on Sunday and could so nearly have won another... it was probably their best played tournament ever and I suspect that there were a few exhausted boys afterwards!

The first game versus Woodbridge on Sunday was certainly the best performance I have ever seen from the boys and for them to score a try after at least 12 phases that involved most of the team in the first half was amazing. The perseverance in attack was great to see. Had there not been a couple of second half lapses they could have won 5:1 but unfortunately they lost by a try 2:3. The second game against Diss was also close and attacking was once again great - the Marly / Louis 'bus' down the centre was always potent and Edward's emergence as our star and very accurate scrum half was really great to see. Great finishing by our wingers Harry, Freddie and Rory kept the scoreboard ticking over but some defensive lapses saw us fade in the second half despite a spirited run by Ollie late in the half.

The third game saw some great tries by Harry, Harvey and others, while some great tackling by the centres and wingers resulted in a well-deserved win over another Woodbridge side. William kept an eye on the right wing and Freddie was always dangerous ball in hand until an awkward fall resulted in a sore shoulder. Harry's diving try while simultaneously gagging on his mouth guard showed great determination!

For the final game, the team was flagging badly and the Diss opposition were extremely well-drilled in defence, making it a hard game but local pride was saved in the second half by some great runs, tries & tackling by Marly, Harry & Louis, along with an "I am going to score whatever" side-stepping run from Rory. Parents on both sides were generous with their applause of the team, who fought hard despite tired legs.

Well done U9's, let's get the defence as strong as the attacking and take on Ipswich next week

Andrew Hunt