U10 MINI RUGBY

Match Report - Thurrock A Festival 21 Oct 07

The A team continued their impressive start to the season with a third successive tournament win, this time against 9 other teams from Essex hosted by Thurrock RFC.

The first three pool games provided an opportunity for the team to play an expansive all round game as their opponents all elected to play a tight game, whilst Cobham wanted to play wide. Seizing on any spilled ball from their opposition, whilst providing some quick ruck ball from their own possesion, Cobham were able to despatch Upper Clapton, the hosts Thurrock and Westcliff all to the maximum scoreline of 6-0 and in doing so headed the group.

The last of the pool games however was against Heathfield, also unbeaten at that stage, and it proved to be a much tighter affair. Cobham however were able to raise their game and gave their opponents no chance to settle whilst taking their own chances when the opportunity arose. As a result they were able to emerge comfortable 2-0 winners to secure top spot in the group.

The final game of the day saw the two group winners play head to head for the trophy and Romford, also unbeaten in their group matches, were Cobhams' challengers. With some extremely tough defence, fast becoming a hallmark of the side, Cobham dominated from the start despite being pitted against much bigger opponents. Romford were denied any space and consequently offered little threat to the Cobham line. The result was a solid 4-0 to Cobham, a fair reflection of their superiority and a satisfying win for the boys.

Overall a great performance from the whole squad again. They scored 22 tries with no reply, a fantastic achievement. 19 boys have now represented the A team in the three tournaments with all displaying great skill and commitment. A sign of good strength in depth which is encouraging as a coach.

Sqaud: Boswell, Slough, Van der Vorm, McQuade, Allchurch, Saunders, Stephen, Kitto, Eames, Ashwell, Spawforth and Hunt

Tackle of the day - Niall Saunders. Inspirational stuff in the final!