What a sodden affair....

After a spot of heat-stroke last week the rugby season had its revenge today with heavy rain from the moment we arrived to our departure 5 hours later from the U11 Reeds B Festival.

Firstly, thanks to the parents and boys for their commitment in horrible conditions, and special thanks to Justin for bringing a proper tent, we couldn't have managed without it.

Our opening game was thankfully at 1000 against the hosts Reeds Weybridge. This was a game where we dominated possession though was notable for some strong defence, and finished an uneventful 0-0 draw.

Next up was Guildford, and the boys were lively from the start. Considering the conditions and the fact by now the boys were soaked we played some great rugby and won 15-0. (note: conversion practice required)

So to our decisive final pool game against perennial foes Rosslyn Park. We spent the first half camped in the final quarter, despite being uphill and into the wind. Somehow, Park escaped to half-time at 0-0.
We were confident that the slope and the gale behind us we would win Pool A in the second half. Perhaps too confident, as Park caught the kick-off and ran up the line to score unchallenged.
Teddington responded strongly and soon equalised, and converted. Game on - Pool Winners to be decided in the last 5 minutes of the last game. Our tackling let us down a little and
Park managed to score 2 tries to win 21-7, a scoreline which flattered Park and meant Teddington were in the Plate Final.

Our Plate Final was against Warlingham, a new opponent I think. The first half was close and both sides had chances to score, frustratingly Warlingham made the breakthrough to lead 7-0 at half time.
We knew we could score tries in the second half though as often is the case the game turned on a couple of key moments. Firstly we looked certain to equalise when we dropped the ball falling in the act of scoring,
Later, from a penalty in our half we pinged the kick 5m from the Warlingham try line at the other end, all set for a maul and try from our secure line-out platform. Unfortunately the ball clipped the side-line on its first bounce so it was a Warlingham put-in.
Hearts were broken as from the line-out the Warlingham scrum half broke up the blind side, ran the length of the field to score and it was game-over.

So a 0-14 defeat in the Plate Final meant we left Reeds empty-handed, less than we deserved having played with a degree of flair in unforgiving weather.
Suffice to say the tent came down in record time as we dashed home for a steaming hot bath and to test the washing machines of Teddington to destruction.
Thanks again to all parents and boys for unyielding dedication to the TRFC cause in the face of a monsoon.

Forwards; Oscar Rounding, Louis Davies, Hachem Hachimi, Sacha Clayson, Ruari Kavanagh
Backs; Josh Abbott-Baptiste, Patrick McDonnell, Luke Jopling, Lucas Haskins, Alex Gilchrist, David Bradford, James Gardiner, Josh Lawrence