The U10s had a second weekend of games against Dursley RFC, whom they had beaten in the Gloucester Cup only the week before. The opposition brought a large squad which was matched by a good showing from our boys, despite the non-availability of Ollie Simcox (concussion), Ben B-M (goalkeeping at WBA), Matty Daryoush (world power lifting championships) and a few others. The squad divided into two teams, making use of our new reversible shirts.
The ‘hoop shirts’ were the most convincing winners, beating both Dursley sides 13-1 and 14-0 respectively. The ‘plain shirts’ drew their first game 4-4 before triumphing 5-2 in the second game. Teams were then combined to put out the strongest sides for a third and final game, which Clifton dominated without reply, running out 9-0 winners.
There were a huge number of pleasing aspects to the morning, especially the strength of the squad and enthusiasm of the boys. Whilst rucking can always be refined, the games showed many encouraging aspects. The ball was moved wide and handling was good, aided by the dry but cold weather. Players ran straight with a range of sidesteps off both feet developing; even Millan Rai added a jinking side step to the bullet straight dummy that had become his masterpiece. If only his Dad was so mobile. Established marksmen like Sami Hadi, Theo Bevan, Ben Paine and Jake Davies were joined by a range of deadly try scorers including George Hemming, Luke Taylor, Paddy Pearce, Milan Rai, Tom Elderton and Louis Clay (apologies to those not mentioned. You dived under the radar as well as the posts). There was also some fearsome tackling, not only by Ben ‘Basher’ Paine but especially from Luke ‘Pocket Rocket’ Taylor. We will no doubt have harder fixtures during the rest of the season but the boys should be delighted with this excellent win in the run up to the festive break.