Egham Knights RFC - Englefield Green, Surrey

12th October 2008
Match Report U13 Maidenhead Tournament

Once again we were off for the annual start of season tournament at Maidenhead RFC. This is always a well attended and well run affair.

There were 5 U13 teams including ourselves being Maidenhead A and B sides , Sutton & Epsom A and B sides and the Knights. This meant 4 tough games for us against opposition with 22 players in each team pool. We turned out with 16 boys playing 15 a side having only 1 reserve.

Our first game was against the eventual winners Epsom A who beat us by 5 tries to nil a bit disappointing but the score line did not reflect the game as we did have them on the back foot at times. Our next game after a short rest was against Maidenhead B in which our bad luck struck. In the first half we lost Tommy who after a very brave try saving tackle stole ball but went down awkwardly and picked up an injury. We turned at 1 try each at half time looking like we could pull of a victory. In the second half we lost Ben with a shoulder injury which was picked up attempting to stop the Maidenhead winger, unfortunately Ben went down and the try was scored a little later. We finished the game with 14 boys on the field but did not conceded any more tries. Our 3rd game of the day was against Maidenhead A side and now being a flyhalf and fullback short some shuffling was required. The guys braved on and once again against top A side went down 5 tries to nil but not without a fight and lots of good midfield try saving tackles. We had no time to rest when we were straight onto the field to play Sutton & Epsom B again scoring the first try turning at half time even at 1 try apiece then conceding in the second half to go 2 tries to 1 down we had a couple of walking wounded on the field of play who despite having picked up injuries knew they could not come off and played on valiantly.

After our 4th and last game all the 14 guys who walked off that pitch were given a great ovation by the other players, their guardians and their coaches for their loyalty, attitude and braveness. As a coach I was very proud of them and I know they can walk in any rugby circle holding their heads high. Thank you guys you were all true Knights.

Bill Mackie
U13 Coach.

Training is Sunday mornings
10-12

All welcome

Photos from minis tournament via Phoenix 11/10/09