Happy Campers , Runners Up !

The eagerly anticipated season finale proved to be a mixed bag experience, fitting that the weather, so often the big influencer this season, had the final word on a miserable Sunday and a cold Friday night. Although definitely a good move to book a " pod" , our intrepid squad braved the elements and were rewarded with a decent sunny Saturday in between.
Notwithstanding the extreme arctic night on Friday, we looked forward to the Saturday amid the customary camp fire, chip shop, barbecue and marshmallow mix of evening.
Saturday dawned fair, and dry to the relief of all, and we arrived in Kendal ready to take on all comers from around the country - or globe - Cumbria anyone ? The " international " branding of the tournament is now stretching a point - Watsonians of Edinburgh hardly carrying the same ring as Toulouse for example , and we were further surprised to have only 1 other opponent in Southport. Fortunately all 3 clubs had brought 2 teams at under 9 age group howeverw organisers must surely review the product, it's pricing and it's marketing as it certainly took a big step backwards in terms of organisation this year.
The squad divided into two teams , Bucks and Stags, following a similar pattern to the other clubs. With an impressive turn out of 15, we had the numbers to field 2 teams however we lacked depth of cover and insurance against injuries , and this proved to be an exposure in the end on day 2. Saying that, all players were guaranteed pretty much maximum pitch time compared with the challenges of rotation for just one team.
Now it has to be said that ALL players who represented the club over this weekend performed out of their skin and were an absolute credit to themselves, the club and their highly supportive families. Although the teams fared differently within the tournament and had to deal with various levels of disappointment, there was a real pride and passion for the team which reflected the tour t shirt slogan. Here's a quick summary of each player and their contribution rather than go into all the gory details of every match - in no particular order;
Ben Barnes - first full season of rugby, established as a hungry and aggressive tackler, bringing down opponents fearlessly . Had a solid performance again, consistent great season and made the full back position his own.
Cole Entwistle - in the Stags last match, received a real battering but kept coming back for more - never once gave up, never shirked the tackle, displayed real grit and fight in adversity while showing great support for his team mates too. Great sporting attitude shown throughout.
Elijah Jones - played the best rugby of his life this weekend, highlight being his try against the Bucks and his brave comeback from injury in the same match. Tenacious and determined .
Michael Bailey - strong determined running brought reward in 3 tries and some strong tackling. Kept the doctors busy as he was on the receiving end of 2 nasty injuries but showed excellent character in returning to support his mates and playing on the next day.
Ieuan Bissell - continued his recent outstanding form, mr perpetual motion, a whirlwind of energy and skill, this week blended with more steel in the tackle - some outstanding play, amazing tries and brilliant all round contribution.
Rowan Tweedale - the Rowanator was on top form, disposing of opposition bodies as if they were rag dolls, earning him a new tag of the Bin Man. Good captaincy and organisation, fearless strength, tremendous all round show.
Luke Entwistle - captained the Stags and led from the front, never gave up, 100% effort, some great runs and passes, and by the end those tackles were coming in nice and hard too !
Tom Leech - Mr Bolt , lightning speed and scorched earth, hit turbo power in the semi final with a hat trick and was unstoppable . Strong determined tackling with good technique too. Excellent all round display.
Thomas Whittaker - strong all round work ethic in defence and attack, rewarded with 2 excellent tries against the Bucks, covered so much ground and hit the tackles powerfully. Strong workmanlike contribution all round.
Jason Wilkinson - awesome and fearless tackling , nobody got past him, ring of steel and shoulder boulder brilliantly demonstrated, along with Leechy esque bursts of pace and some memorable scores. Great contribution all round.
Dan Stevens - a real display of tiger ish and determined tackling and all round hard work and harrying in the semi - 2 memorable try saving lunges to stop the Watsonian danger man, plus a couple of trademark run ins to cap a hard working all round effort.
Jamie Boxall - Mr Consistent, plays his part with quiet effectiveness and rarely puts a foot wrong - strong on the tackle, nimble in the run, always giving something to the team and a brilliant attitude with it. Super solo try in the Watsonian game.
Jack Tracy - another fantastic show from Jack, Mr Rugby, his enthusiasm is unrivalled and the effort and commitment just fantastic. Always in the thick of the action, some superb scores and great defence too.
Poppy Preece - first season of rugby and has never missed a game, fantastic enthusiasm and effort, played some excellent passes and rarely wasted possession. Showed more confidence and never stopped running.
Tyler Lusty - great effort, strong mazy runs, made some great tackles in the final match, showed real pride for the team and never gave up. Deserved more tries for the strong committed running and constant availability to receive the ball.

Guys, you should all be proud of your contribution this season and this weekend, regardless of Stags or Bucks, you are all a great credit - well done.

As for the results Sunday did not match the idyllic sunshine of 24 hours before and, we came second again, it was a heartbreaking finish but we were beaten by worthy winners in Southport, who were unbeaten in 6 games, albeit they only defeated us by the narrowest of margins in each encounter.
The Bucks won 4 games including an absolutely season capping performance against Watsonians who were literally blown away by such a determined and competitive team display - for me, the best team performance ever from this group.
The Stags played some great rugby albeit in a losing cause but let nobody be fooled by the results as a reflection of player ability as they put 4 tries passed the Bucks - more than Sourhport or indeed any other opponent.

Finally, although all players rightfully take centre stage, a few thank yous ;

To Gary and Sharon for all their hard work and dedication not only for this weekend but the whole season, thanks guys, especially for keeping us going in the deep of winter where many would have cancelled training.
To Darron Entwistle for the absolutely brilliant tour shirts
To all the parents for turning out in all weathers to support their kids and the team, and for their tolerance of us shouting at their kids
To Andrew Bissell and Enty for their outstanding refereeing and for stepping up to coach this season where their experience has been invaluable for the kids - thanks guys, massive respect.

And so that's it now until this team are back in September as under 10's. Enjoy the summer enjoy the memories of the season, and stay fit for September !!