Redingensians U12s win their home festival!

On a bright but cold day, the snow and frozen pitches banished from our thoughts, the Regingensians U12s warmed up for our final home tournament as mini's. We were hosting some very tough opposition in two pools and the draw meant there were no easy games for anyone in either pool.

Our first match started at an unusually fast pace but we had Chobham under pressure from the kick off and this set the tone for the game. There was some great work from the forwards providing quick ball throughout the match alond with superb handling from the backs which saw two tries for Ben Sp. Great play which left us happy, if a little surprised, that we'd beaten Chobham 2-0.

Our second game followed immediately after this. The team were warmed up and keen to repeat the win from their first match , this time against Camberley. Again, the match got off to a fast start and we piled the pressure on immediately. This allowed a strong run from Callum with Brad in support to receive the ball and score the first try. Camberley, now on the back foot, had no response and more fast ball from the forwards and superb handling from the backs allowed Max to run in a second giving us another 2-0 win.

After a short break, the third game was against Abbey. The team knew that we had the chance to go unbeaten in the pool and guarantee a semi-final match.

The team rose to the challenge and played more good rugby. The forwards secured loose ball and excellent off loading kept Abbey on the back foot throughout the match. The forwards played a great game and were rewarded with 2 push over tries for Ben G and Callum. A break-away try for Stuart B followed by an impressive individual tun from Max took us 4 tries ahead before Callum scored his second of the match in the closing seconds to give us a comprehensive 5-0 win.

So the pools were done and we had won all three matches. This was turning out to be an excellent day which the boys had every right to be proud of.

On to the knock-out stages.

All we could ask was that the team pulled together and did their best; they were tired but had now tasted victory so the team took to the pitch one more time for the semi-final against Farnham. This proved to be an extremely tough and physical game and we went behind very early on but. The boys dug deep and fought back valiantly to let Matt H pop a try over to equalise just before the end of the match.

We had drawn the semi-final; another superb result against an extremely good team.

We referred the result to the tournament control for guidance; there was no rule covering a draw in the semi so we had to wait. The decision came, a try count-back was to be used. 'Ensians 9, Farnham 3. 'Ensians were in the final of their home tournament. And guess who we were playing... our local friends from Bracknell!!!

Playing Bracknell is always hard. The boys all knew what they had to do and lifted their game. They came out hard and fast with superb tackling, running, rucking and mauling - some of the best we've seen them play - and kept up the pace. This was turning into a very exciting game. Bracknell managed to go ahead just before half time with former ‘Ensians player Will squeezing in for a try against the run of play. Both teams came out after the break and carried on an enthralling match, back and forth and very physical. With under a minute from full time Callum decided to take charge and galloped almost the length of the pitch touching down in the corner. The game was tied with less than 30 seconds to go. Bracknell kicked off straight to Matt who put the ball straight into touch. The whistle went, the game was over. Another draw. Another agonising wait for the offical try count back. The result arrived, Bracknell 3 ‘Ensians 11. WE WON!!!!!

It was a fantastic day of rugby, everyone played their part and gave 100%, and never backed down from any challenge. It was a superb result and an excellent way to play in their final home tournament as mini's. Mnay pats on the back from other age groups up and down the club and we are all very proud of the whole team.