BSRFC As Festival

First, a big thank you to everyone who volunteered today especially those of you who didn't have kids playing. Whether it was car parking, refreshments, pitch runners or pitch marshals without your help the festival could not have taken place and wouldn't have been the success that it was, particularly our age group that ran like clockwork and saw some very competitive matches.

The BSRFC As festival is always tricky for us as we like to field as many kids as possible and entered 2 teams, each made up of a mix of As and Bs.
The first of our teams playing in pool A struggled to start, finding themselves turned over at the breakdown and stretched in defence by stronger attacking sides. Their coaches kept their heads up and worked on their rucking, handling and tackling between games. Although a win remained elusive their performance in the last match was much improved and made it a close affair. They learnt something about the game and themselves today and credit to them all for sticking at it and working hard.

The second of our teams got off to a flying start with a 6-0 win against Chelmsford. Their teamwork was impressive; at every breakdown there was a teammate in support to help tackle or ruck over and in open play they were drawing defenders, offloading and passing to teammates in space. They repeated this against Harpenden winning 4-0 before facing a strong OAs side who got the better of them 3-1 and would go on to win the Cup final. Lastly in their pool they faced Upminster knowing that the winner would be in the Plate final (3rd/4th). The boys really wanted it and their aggressive clearing out at the rucks saw them win 3-0 and into the playoff against Hertford. A fiercely fought contest ensued with both defences seemingly impenetrable until BS ran in a try only to concede one shortly after. The second half was even tighter with some great tackling, rucking and mauling from both sides until Hertford managed to break free and score in the corner with a minute to go. We came back hard, forcing several penalties from Hertford but alas ran out of time leaving the boys exhausted and disappointed. The coaches quickly rallied round them and lifted their spirits, praising them for their effort, teamwork and competitiveness.

Well done to all the boys who took part.