Braveheart Boys Battle to the End!

Stourbridge under 10s were in action at their first festival of the season at Kidderminster Carolians RFC on November 16.

The weather was cold and damp but the lads, parents, and Coach Spencer kept dry under the team’s new gazebo - which was well-kitted out with chairs, a table and plenty of cake!

The morning fixtures saw the lads take on teams from Old Hales, Luctonians, Wolverhampton and Bromyard in some tough games which gave them a chance to show off their skills.

The squad was reduced by two players after an accidental clash of heads ruled them out for the rest of the day (both players are now fine, but disappointed that they don’t have a black eye to show for their troubles!).

Despite being left with no substitutes, because festival rules only allowed a limited number of players, the team dug deep to carry on and play another four matches in the afternoon.

Coach Spencer said: “We had a great morning, the commitment from the lads was fantastic, unfortunately we lost two players and we had eight players for a very long day”.

“In the end fatigue caught up with us but, again, commitment, passion and everything you would want from the lads - was delivered by them”.

“We couldn’t have asked any more from the team; expectations probably changed during the day when we knew we were going to be two players short. It is a tough day at the best of times, but to play a full day’s rugby, against good sides, with only eight players, is going to catch up with you, and unfortunately fatigue-wise it did”.

“The first festival is always difficult because it gives you a chance to asses yourself against all the other teams”.

He added the introduction of new elements of the game this season, like rucks and mauls, made the game faster and more furious but the players were progressing.

Well Played Boys!

Martyn Smith