Teddington U11 B fights valiantly at Rosslyn Park B Festival

Someone, a few weeks ago, gave me their definition of rugby as a game of physical courage. And boy, how much did Teddington B demonstrate that today at RP.
It all started so well against Sutton & Epsom, we looked very strong off the starting blocks, our forward work-rate was high, the backs tackled well (a marked improvement compared to last week) and we showed great resilience under early heavy pressure. We didn't break however and a magnificent kick form the fly half managed to bring the game back to S&E's half and gave us some welcome territory.
Our attacks became potent, the forwards winning the rucks convincingly and building a strong platform for the backs to open the opposition with some good ball handling. The ball moved very nicely indeed from the scrum (Patrick) to Fly half (Marc) to the centers (James and Alex). James scored 2 (or was it 3?) tries and we never looked back.
First game, first victory.

We came into game 2 against Reeds in high spirits, however events rapidly took a turn for the worse. As the game developed we seemed to get an injury at each passage of play. I frankly can't remember the order in which the lads got injured but our infirmary list was growing faster than Harlequins's.
With only one sub available on the day it was always going to be difficult to manage our numbers, but it became rapidly impossible with Patrick getting a cut lip, Marc twisting an ankle, James suffering a blow to the head and Jonty hurting his foot. It is a minor miracle that we lost only 5-0.

There wouldn't be any miracle agains our hosts and favourites foes, Rosslyn Park. You have to give it to them they are a well oiled machine. We started the game with only 10 reasonably fit players and got properly trounced. Commitment couldn't be faulted but it was a step way too far.

We had only 8 fit players who courageously played their hearts out. Jason tackled extremely well in difficult circumstances, until he became, unfortunately the last name on the longest casualty list to occur in a long time. On a good tackle he injured his front teeths and left the pitch with blood gushing from his mouth.

We were already wondering if we could muster the last game when we learned that the tournament rules required a minimum of 9 players, we had to forfeit that game, and of course the last one.

The boys showed great courage in adversity, with some really good rugby being played early on, showing the potential. Best to forget the rest of the day and hope bodies and spirits will mend soon.

Thanks to all parents and we wish the players a speedy recovery.

The team:
Louis D, Richard H, Sacha C, Jason B, Marc F, Patrick McD, Josh B, Maddy G, James G, Lucas H, Alex G, Hachem H, Jonty S