Returning to the pitch after a long five-week hiatus, St Neots U13s traveled away to Saffron Walden for a fiercely competitive encounter. It was a significant day for the squad, marking the first run-out in their brand-new kit, made possible by the generous sponsorship of Jewson. The team certainly looked the part as they took the field for what proved to be a thrilling game of two halves.

First Half: Battling the Hill
The rustiness from the break was initially evident as Saffron Walden flew out of the blocks. The hosts started fast, dominating the early territory. Playing up the hill, St Neots found themselves on the back foot against a well-drilled Walden side who utilized impressive speed on the outside channels to break the defensive line.

Despite the pressure, St Neots began to grow into the game as the half progressed, finding their rhythm in the heavy conditions. However, the hosts' early dominance was reflected on the scoreboard, and St Neots went into the halftime break trailing by two tries to nil.

Second Half: The Comeback
The second half saw a transformed St Neots side. Shaking off the cobwebs, the team showcased their tactical growth. They began putting together some impressive multi-phase play, stretching the Saffron Walden defence through planned moves and clever use of the boot.

The increased intensity and variety in attack paid off as St Neots pulled themselves back into the contest. Through sheer determination and improved continuity, the visitors crossed the whitewash three times. Kian was in lethal form, bagging a brace of tries, while Ed powered over for a vital score. The defensive effort was equally matched by the attack, resulting in a well-deserved 15-15 draw at the final whistle.

Key Performances & Improvements
Beyond the scoreline, there were significant technical improvements on display:

Kick-Off Structure: The team showed a marked improvement in their structure at the restart. This was perfectly exemplified by the St Neots chasers hunting down the opposition receiver "in a horde," applying such intense pressure that it forced an immediate knock-on.

Communication: There was a noticeable increase in chatter and organization amongst the squad. This was led by Max O, whose vocal direction and leadership - both from his preferred scrum-half position and when shifting to the wing—earned him the Player of the Match award.

Sponsor Acknowledgement
A massive thank you to Jewson for their sponsorship. The boys looked fantastic in the new kit, and it was great to see them baptise the new shirts with such a spirited comeback.