The U12's started their first competitive matches of the 2018 season in the Cambridgeshire Cup Festival hosted at our very own St Neots Rugby Club. An early start for many parents and players who arrived to set up pitches, cake stands, tombolas and car parking well before the festival began.

Once ready, the team started their 4 match program very focused from the off. First up, a match vs Wisbeach. Tackling was fierce, passing going to hand on a bright and sunny day and our strength in the rucking and mauling meant the opposition couldn't keep up with us. Tries from Lewis O, Max, Freddie, Patrick and ANO secured a straightforward 5-0 victory.

Our second match was against stronger opposition, Shelford. We carried on as we had started and the pressure from the forwards was immense. We destroyed them in the loose and rucks and scored 3 good tries through Myles (x2) and Jacob, running out winners 3-0.

Our third match was vs Royston and this proved the hardest of the day. A fierce battle up front with little passing wide (white line fever surfaced with the dreaded running blind virus taking over) but again our strength won the day 2-0 with Carnell sneaking through a small gap and Patrick ripping the ball from the opposition before running half the length of the pitch. This match was also our best defensive effort with lots of last ditch tackles stopping the opposition entering our half..........

Our last match was a more friendly affair. Due to injuries and lack of players we lent St Ives 5 (..... thats not a typo) players. It essentially turned into a St Neots vs St Neots contest as our players on both sides stood out. The "real" St Neots eventually ran out 2-0 winners with Lewis O scoring in the corner again and the other try is currently unaccounted for.

In all, the day was a great success of and on the pitch. The facilities looked great, we were reasonably well organised and the boys really enjoyed their rugby. There will be harder days to come, but lets enjoy this week. 12 tries for and 0 against (which pleased the coaches more) showed how far the team has come. The coaches have some small areas to work on but the passion and effort from everyone was good to watch.

A word also to the players who volunteered to help out other teams who were short of players. George, Harvey & Charlie spent most of the day playing for other clubs and its great they put their hands up, well done.

Thanks to all the helpers, volunteers (car parking, BBQ, kitchen, bar, tombolas, cake stand) etc it was a real team effort on and off the pitch.

PS - At the end of the day debrief from Rob we need to collect scores and try scorers for our records. If any of the try scorers are wrong or need amending in the report above let me know!