Storming Performance at Overton

"Not a chance," I thought shortly after the alarm went off at 7am. As the wind and rain battered the windows during breakfast, confidence was high that there would be a postponement. Not a chance. A message to the Overton facebook page was answered within seconds - GAME ON. So off we went...

Getting the gazebo up was a challenge in the wind, many thanks to our trusty helpers! You did a better job than our Alresford neighbours whose tent was soon flipped upside down into the hedge and had to be binned. We lent them a corner of our trusty shelter, which kept the boys reasonably dry and ready to go. And so to the rugby.

Our first game again Trojans was keenly contested, with both sides trading scores. Our boys had clearly had an extra Weetabix however, as two crucial 7-tackle turnovers proved the difference in a 5-4 win. With chests puffed out we next faced New Milton, who have so often been our undoing at festivals - but not today. Some early frustration with time-wasting was dealt with by a crunching and clearly illegal tackle (by Tom of all people!) which rocked our opponents back. After that, the Alton tacklers hunted in packs and our marauding runners burst through the gaps to see us to a 6-3 victory. There was no holding the boys back and in the final last game against Winchester they displayed a staggering level of aggression and tackling skill that we haven't seen before. Revelling in the conditions and brimming with confidence they were simply unstoppable and romped home 5-0.

Wisely the organisers shut the festival down early as wind speeds were increasing and the pitches were disintegrating. I think our lads would have stayed out there all day if they had the choice, they were high as kites and ready for more!!

Every single one of the 11 boys there today gave there all and the coaching team are hugely proud of what they achieved this morning. The appalling conditions only seemed to spur us on and by the end they were doing it all for themselves with very little instruction needed. Top try scorers were Harry C, Zac D and James M; tackling hulks were Ned B, Harry G, Sam W and Archie W; trusty all-rounders were Toby A, Cameron G, Tom S and Cameron W. Thanks to you all, and thanks to the parents for your support in such atrocious conditions, and for your patience in getting parked!

See you all at training next week.

Shaun