A visit to Twickenham for the Baa Baa vs Argentina started a fantastic weekend for the U13 and a fixture against an excellent Saracens A side in North London.

So it was cold, but no-one cared...we where in London after visiting HQ on Saturday to watch Argentina play a heavily influenced Baa Baa side blessed with the Southern Hemispheres finest. After watching last years fantastic game v Australia, the Baa Baa's had much to live upto in the wake of the RWC and the Argies outstanding showing.
The U13, supporting the Baa Baa's ...of course...had a fantastic day, left with a few souvenirs and more importantly some great memories.

Sunday..cracking breakfast needed by many!...The sun shone on a sticky pitch after being battered by Barney, Wilma, Fred et al...and our new 2015 / 16 kit unveiled, ready for a much anticipated Saracens fixture..how would the boys from Yorkshire fare against such exulted company.

Last weeks performance against a very good Otley side, hopefully providing the platform to kick on as they face some big challenges over the next 4 weeks.As some know Saracens and Brods have connections going back through our junior ranks of yesteryear, our own Charlie Hodgson busy in Ireland this weekend with the 1st XV..would the young Brods take another famous scalp following their excellent victory against Bath last year?

The photoshoot in their new kit done...a huge thanks to Leach Colour and BMS, this years sponsors. The boys looked the part as they entered the fray...'Bring me back a Fez ringing in our ears'..we'll take a victory!!

A great start, impact the bigger Sarries pack, started well and showed their power pushing Brods back at the first ruck..need to lift it boys, came the call! Conditions testing after the recent storms had blown through, who would adapt best to the conditions,...Brods would...the forwards lifted their intensity, hitting the breakdown as a unit working well together, Smith taking good ball secured well through the great early work of Parkin and Leahy whose pace and verve at the breakdown put Saracens under real pressure to commit numbers every time. Wood showing well and taking 2nd phase to Sarries again and again...Inman commanded the centre ground at 10 and great hands , strong lines opened space for Stewart to break through the line...he put on the gas and pulled away, stepping the full back to take the first score...the pack picking him up from his glory...they wanted this!! - Inman just missing the extras pushing it right of the uprights. Great try Fin, well done lad! 5-0 Brods

Brods spirits bulled by the first score, the visibly lifted, volumes raised and leaders stepping up. Leahy work at he breakdown was excellent, quietly doing his work, always 1st or 2nd every time, his cohorts, Parkin, Haldenby, Jones, Thackray sharing out the spoils but the pack where up for it. Saries scrum was excellent, low, tight and organised, Brods had to dig in, even on their ball... Carries forwards an excellent unit, strong in the front and back row, this was a battle of spirit as well as skill.

Brods backs stood tall against Saracens centres, strong defence much needed against the centres today with 12 excellent feet and power to back it up, regularly took it to Hodgson and Stewart...Brods stood tall and tacked well. The Brods back line having a great day today with strength across the entire line. Stewart taking his second much in the same fashion, excellent lines, putting the gas on for a 2nd, under the posts. Inman taking the spoils12-0.

Some quick exchanges, Cliffe for Chin.

The contest tight... and a battle of such fine differences, it was Brods defence that was earning the right today, rucking not firing as well as previous weeks, the ball being turned over on numerous occasions. Great work for the Brods defence forcing mistakes and turning over ball in the Brods 22..a great break from Thackray following a fantastic tackle from Inman..the ball breaking down the far side with Chin showing his power. Good cover defence from Sarries preventing a certain Chin score, however Gillgrass was supporting at 'full tilt' great offload by Chin and Gillgrass powered through under the posts...all spectators home and away appreciating the skill...Great try boys!...Half Time 19-0 to Brods!

How do we improve? ..was the cry at half time as the chatter was high!!...You ruck! was Froggies retort...we commit numbers and work hard for each other. Lewis for Smith, O'Sullivan Matthews for Macca...We go again boys Haldenby cried..we win this in our heads today..we break their spirit, we win the game, we work hard....go deliver then boys!

Second half started with Saracens raising their game, Brods easily pushed out of the first ruck...Saracens backs working hard and tried to create space, though Hodgson, Stewart and Lorrimer standing tall and working hard. Inman not taking a backward step at 10 and hitting hard, driving the Sarries juniors back in the tackle. The second half was very even....great credit to both sides, each testing the others resolve. Saracens dominating the line outs and scrums, Brods not used to playing blackfoot, catch up....they hard to work hard to turnover in the loose. Lorrimer stepping in at 6 taking an early Blood injury for his troubles.

Saracens where just inside their own half breaking with ball again, Haldenby coming though to drive their second row back 15 yards deep into his 22...Brods sensed an opportunity and forced another mistake as Sarries tried to clear their lines...Haldenby again on hand after great forward Brods pressure to score following missed clearance, Sarries full back fumbling under pressure...26-0 as Inman again converted.

The score not really doing justice to the Sarries side who worked tirelessly all day, enjoying no luck under greta defence and cover work by Brods backs. Lorrimer, Chin and Cliffe working well outside, holding their ranks firm.

Saracens putting Brods under pressure on the 22 saw the break the lin as cover had been sucked in for once, great try Sarie and keenly deserved! The final 2 minutes a frantic exchange , however the contest was done and Brods kicked out ...taking the game and a great victory 26-7..

Well done both teams, an excellent contest, Brods defence and speed both in attack and defence being the main difference today.

Our hosts, very complimentary in defeat, ..it was a great game played in a fantastic spirit...great rugby all-round boys... Well played!

Stand outs ...Saracens 7 and 12...Brods Inman, Parkin and Leahy...Great memories boys..Charlie would've been proud!