ARFC's U10s took two squads to the London Irish's St Patrick's Day Festival on Saturday 24 March

ARFC's U10s took two squads (1 & 2) to the London Irish's St Patrick's Day Festival on Saturday 24 March. It was a really enjoyable day all round and a great opportunity for our squads to play clubs outside the usual Hampshire circuit including Reading Abbey, High Wycombe, Newbury, Oxford, Cheltenham and Torquay (as well as more local Tadley & New Milton).
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Sadly, the illness and injury gods had their say before ARFC even turned up! Our squad of 20 U10s was thus depleted to 15 meaning that 5 matches had to be played with teams of 8 and 7 respectively and substitutes were not an option.

Alton 1 was most definitely the smallest side in terms of physical stature in their group and, therefore, to concede only 2 tries across all their matches was a real achievement and the size of the opposition was often no match for our technique, organisation and bravery! Whilst occasionally technique and organisation slipped, the courage (and endeavour) shown by every single member of the team made everyone very proud and attracted compliments from coaches and parents alike. Alton 1 played 5, won 2 (1-0, 2-0), drew 2 (1-1, 0-0) and lost 1 (1-2).

Alton 2 also enjoyed a successful morning. Over the course of 5 games, all of which were won, they scored a brilliant 20 tries and conceded just 3. Victories were achieved against Reading Abbey (twice), High Wycombe, Newbury and Torquay. Despite only having just 7 players (and thus no options with substitutes), the team was an absolute menace without the ball and then scored some great tries by counter attacking off turnovers

Great team performances across both groups and every player has every reason to feel proud of their efforts with no exceptions. Well done boys - keep it up!