Under 9’s Storm the Bishops Stortford RFC Development Festival

This week the boys travelled further afield to Bishops Stortford RFC Development Festival. This would be the first time Woodham would meet most of the opposition teams, and Bishops Stortford even managed to book the weather for the day.

The format was to be 3 Pools, although last minute changes had to be introduced due to teams pulling out, with games of 6 minutes a side and a minute for half time. With 4 points for a win, 2 for a draw and 1 for a loss up for grabs but no team able to win by more than 6 tries. Woodham were drawn in Pool B alongside Bishops Stortford 2, Hertford 1, Old Albanians 2, Wanstead and Woodford, and the only pool not to be altered.

First up were Woodford. Woodham started well and quickly took the lead. Woodham’s efforts at getting out of the blocks from the off and into the faces of the Woodford team seemed to be working well. However a lapse in concentration from the team allowed Woodford through to score. This however was the only time they were to cross the Woodham try line, and Woodham continued to push on the pressure and score tries. Tries from Archie (x3), Ashley, Ben, Jake, Joshua (x4) and Ross. The recorded result based on the rules 7 – 1 to Woodham, although Woodham did have 2 tries deducted for repeated infringements in the tackle.

Woodham then had 30 minutes till their next game against Wanstead and spirits were high. Again Woodham started well and using the same strategy as the first game were up at Wanstead from every pass they made. However Woodham didn’t have it all their own way, and only some excellent defence saved Woodham on the try line when they managed to turn over the ball after 7 tackles and preventing the Wanstead onslaught. Final score was 5 -0 to Woodham with tries from Ben and Archie (x4).

After a break of 45 minutes Woodham took to the pitch for their third match, this time against Hertford 1. The game was a closer affair, with both teams pushing the other back in defence. Again Woodham saw off the attack near the try line and turned over the ball. An injury to Toby saw him taken off the field and Woodham were down to 6 against Hertford’s 7. However this didn’t faze the Woodham side and Toby re-joined the game after a short period. Hertford managed to put 2 past Woodham but in return they put 4 across the opposition’s line. Final score, 4 – 2 to Woodham with tries from Archie (x2), Ben and Ross.

After a short break a tiring Woodham took to the field against the home team, Bishops Stortford 2. This was to be the toughest match Woodham faced during the Festival. Again both teams were evenly matched and putting in the tackles. Woodham needed a boost and the U8’s took up that challenge cheering them on from the side lines as their pool matches had finished. As both teams tired the score line slowly crept up and at the final whistle the score was 3 – 3, with tries from Joshua and Archie (x2).

Being the largest pool the rest of the teams had finished their matches as Woodham took to the field for the final time and the final match of the festival. They were up against Old Albanians who had seen off Bishops Stortford earlier in the pool 5-3 so Woodham were expecting a tough match. However the heat and the long day had taken its toll on both teams, and Woodham managed to sneak ahead. OA’s responded with tries of their own and at half time it was 2 apiece. Woodham needed a motivational talk and not letting on the actual score, Paul told the boys they were one behind.

The second half saw Woodham come out as the stronger side, spurned on by Paul comments at the break, but both teams were still giving their all and putting in the tackles. One further try by the OA’s was responded to by Woodham with 4 more and the score at the whistle 6 – 3 to Woodham. Tries from Archie (taking his tally for the day to 12), Jake, Joshua (x3 taking his tally to 8 for the day) and Toby, meaning all the boys scored at some point in the festival.

A truly remarkable day, with just 7 players, in warm conditions and against a good selection of opponents, Woodham topped the pool with 4 Wins and a Draw and scoping 18 out of the 20 points on offer. The boys, although shattered, were presented with individual medals from a Saracens Youth Player, as well as coming away with the Cups for Pool B winners. A hearty congratualtions to the boys from the coaches and parents on an outstanding performance giving everything they had.