Redingensians Under 7s Rams at the Windsor Festival

After only three weeks training together, and being a club who believe that Rugby is a seasonal game, we generally don’t fare well at our first tournament. Not this time.

The rules state that we are only allowed 10 players in a squad. But we didn’t take 10 players, we took ten Redingensians Rams. Full of heart and determination and teamwork. All values we take very seriously.

Every player tried their hardest, ran their hardest, and understood our tactics, keeping three strong players on the bench ready to make a half time impact once we had tired the opposition with our ceaseless tagging and running.

Each player started games, finished games and was a sub and was subbed. We tried to get equal game time for all. It was tempting to change that for the final (yes the final), but we didn’t. We stuck to our guns….but it wasn’t to be.

Our first game was against home side Windsor, who often do well, not today. A 4-1 win ‘ensians. Every player played their part.

Next up. The mighty Sarries. Not so mighty to the Rams. 6-0. Second win.

Two strong teams followed, Richmond and Worthing. Could we keep up our winning ways. Yes we could. ‘Ensians 4-2 Richmond; ‘Ensians 5-3 Worthing.

Alistair, Matt and I had observed Worthing earlier in the day, they had a great crash ball start. We prepared for it, we dealt with and we won. 4 matches, 4 wins.

At this point we couldn’t have been prouder. It was a very long day, a very hot day and we where all tired. One more game, possibly a game too far. It was a game that was decided, ultimately on one play. I’m over it now, I’m not sure Emma is.

We came second. We were disappointed, losing 5-3. We were all square at half-time. We were all exhausted.

When the boys went to receive their medals and the trophy they couldn’t decide who the captain was. We had ten captains today and I have never been prouder.

Thanks to Matt, Emma and Alistair for coaching, refereeing marshalling, herding etc.

Thank you to everyone who came, thanks for all the help. It really is a team effort. Even thanks to Declan whose first comment in the morning was not about Rugby but Football.

Training.

Thanks to Mark who took training this week in our absence. A great turnout, a great session and really warm. Thanks to all that helped out.