Rugby Champions - again.

On Thursday, it was our first tournament of the year and we hoped to defend our rugby crown from the last two years. 

We took a strong team who were full of confidence. We were in a tough group with some strong teams. It was Tattenhall first and Jonnie and Alex scored tries for a 2 - 0 win. Our next match was against Bickerton and it was tough! It was a game strewn with errors but we ground out a 1 - 0 win with another Jonnie try. It was Tushingham next and we were now finding our form. We played some excellent rugby in a 5 -1 victory; Alex and Caleb both scoring 2 tries and Jonnie one. The group stage ended with another convincing win against Malpas; a 5 - 0 win. Caleb got another double, and Alex, Jonnie and Oliver also chipped in with tries. 

Next up was the semi-final where we met Tilston. Confidence was high and some of the rugby was silky smooth. Alex raced in with 2 tries and Caleb, Oliver and Jonnie also contributed, making the score 5 - 0. 

It was Bickerton once again in the final. Our last game was tight and we knew we had to be at our best. It was close, but  our pressure finally paid with Oliver CB handing off to Alex to score. But then the nerves began to show. We made several errors close to the try line and went out of touch twice. It let Bickerton back into the game and with just minutes left the scores were level. Extra time beckoned . . .

After a team talk, they took to the field. It was so close and both teams' defences were holding strong. However, we then had them pressed close to their try line and in one swift action Noah had a game changing moment. As they passed the ball off, Noah moved from an on side position to grab the ball for a steal and then raced to the try line. This lifted the whole team and Alex and Jonnie made the game safe with 2 more tries. It ended 4 - 1. 

The whole team did us absolutely proud! Tremendous attitude, hard work and a real team effort. Zoe was fearless, and Emily and Amelia never missed a tackle. It is hard to pick one player of the tournament as there were so many stand out performances. Therefore, I will say the whole team were the team of the tournament! Although, Noah's try will live long in the memory - a special moment!

Next week, it is the Year 3 and 4 team. Fingers crossed.