U7s get wet at Irish festival

16th March 2008

WET WET WET!! How the U7s managed this tournament is a mystery!!

We left Maidenhead at 8.00am and when we turned up at Reading University we were greeted by a waterlogged pitch which was undergoing and inspection. We feared the worst and then it was confirmed - we had to play !! - In reality the organisers were left with little choice but to go ahead as many teams had travelled considerable distances to attend.

In the end it all became a bit of a laugh as we struggled to pitch our team tent in a howling gale and 90 degree rain. Once we had established base camp and had opened the hot tea urn we all felt a lot better. Both teams played three games although after the second game the organisers changed the tournament status from a competitive event to a series of friendly games.

This was a pity as the prize for the tournament finalists were to play at half time at the "Mad Stad" in the game between London Irish & Wasps but there was little option considering the conditions.

Our fortunes on the pitch were mixed with the A's winning 1, drawing 1 and loosing 1 and the B's loosing all their games but giving it a real go in the process. It is hard to judge standards in these conditions but it is fair to say that the standard of the other teams we are playing is improving so regular training is becoming more important than ever!

All credit goes to the children who braved the elements in what were appalling conditions. From what I saw there was some excellent running more passing on the move and real determination to win.

Tries from the A's were Charlie 6 Louis 3 Joe 2 Josh 1 Richard 1

The final game was to be Maidenhead A's V B's but with freezing fingers and drenched clothes it was decided to abandon this for the warmth of the team bus! We then travelled down to the Wasps/London Irish game and at half time the kids took to the pitch for a "lap of honour".

Roll on Newbury in April where we fully expect 25 degrees!!