Upminster U15’s sent two squads to the Colchester Festival on 29th April, with an A + Millers squad entered at the request of the organisers who ran a two tier competition for Development and Performance Squads.

The conditions were monsoon like and Colchester was probably the only place in Essex (I know they like to think they’re in Suffolk but we know better!) where any rugby was played on the day.

The A squad first took on Norwich and after a slow start managed to get their passing and offloading game going. In short games such as this the first score is always vital and Upminster eventually opened the scoring, generating a large overlap out wide for Carrick to score. HT 5-0.

Upminster were looking as comfortable as they could in the conditions and second half tries from Carrick and Blaine saw the final score to 15-0.

The second pool game was probably against the strongest opposition. Old Dartfordians were to prove plucky opponents but again could not cope with the additional power and pace of the Upminster boys. Charles was again outstanding, as he has been all season, and with scores from Michael and Ross the team again secured a comfortable victory, 10-0.

The final pool game was against Bury St Edmunds. The boys were beginning to look a little jaded with the conditions by the time of this game. It really was ceasing to be very funny as the rain continued to pelt down. The coaches and supporters were also feeling the same and I think everyone had a secret thought at some stage that it would have been nicer to be at home in front of the telly, watching Leinster v Clermont. However despite a scrappy performance, where the team rather lost their way, a sweet cross kick from Jamie saw Tommo score the only try of the game. This was to be Ross’s last game of the day as he learnt the hard way that the best place for a gumshield is in your mouth, and not in your kit bag. Final score 7-0.

And so to the semi final and a confrontation with hosts Colchester, who much to their disgust had been beaten by Brentwood in the pool stages. The boys had been left to their own devices for this game as the weather began to affect the enthusiasm of coaches and players alike. It was rewarding to see that the team continued to play with some pride, although defeat would have given us the opportunity to have an early beer. However it was not to be as in a scrappy encounter, no team was able to score and Upminster went through in a 0-0 draw. To be honest Upminster were never troubled by their opponents who fancied their chances and excellent defence from U’s meant the Colchester side never got going forward. Fine performances from Charles, who moved to the wing and Ben C who stepped up to the A squad, saw the boys into the final.

The final was against our old foes Brentwood. County bragging rights were at stake as a strong Brentwood team took on U’s under blue skies and sunshine! As we supporters dried out, the boys had no such opportunity as they were all soaked to the skin and the pitches were still like a paddy field.

The final probably saw the most disciplined performance of the day. The Upminster pack, contrary to the Cup game earlier in the season, were totally dominant. Panda, who continues to improve with every game, was forced off early on with severe cramp in both legs. That more boys weren’t affected is testament to the fitness of the squad who had all had to play in each game. They played keep ball throughout and rarely gave Brentwood a chance. Dominating possession and territory, it was only just, that with a few minutes remaining Upminster broke the deadlock. Awarded a penalty under the posts, and with his Dad shouting for him to kick the points, Jamie took a quick tap and dummied and crashed over the line for the only score of the game. Just shows how little I know! Apologies to Louis who was half way on with the kicking tee when he had to return, getting his spanking new trainers very muddy en route.

And so the final whistle blew with Upminster victorious 5-0. It was a victory for doggedness, desire and no little skill as U’s collected the trophy for the second successive year. The boys had been left to their own devices for the last two games and showed that they were capable of managing their own skills and teamwork to produce excellent tactical performances. Special thanks must go to Ben Coles who stepped up to play 6 games on the day and performed admirably. Also thanks to the spectators who stayed and watched in trying conditions.

In the conditions it was easy to overlook and underestimate the achievement. Brentwood and Colchester are two of the strongest teams about and both were despatched on the day. It is also worth noting that the team did not concede a point all day, in fact no-one really came close, which reflected well on defensive organisation and a desire to work for each other.


Most thanks and congratulations to the players and coaches, Gav and Darren. Both admitted it was probably the most difficult day they had had as coaches. Trying to look after a group of 15 year olds, in that weather, in those conditions is a difficult task, especially when some need to be reminded to tie their laces, drink water, keep warm and WEAR A GUMSHIELD!!!!

Squad: Panda, Jack W, Chris, Carrick, Ben C, Owen, Sam, Blaine, Nathan, Charles, Woody, Tommo, Jamie, Harvey, Ross, Michael, JJ.

Scorers: Tries - Carrick (2), Blaine, Michael, Ross, Tommo, Jamie
Conversions - Jamie


The Development Squad also performed admirably on the day. With limited resources at their disposal, and let down by late cry offs, they were forced to borrow opposition players and the A squad doubling up.

The first game was against a strong Colchester B side. U’s competed well and looked stronger for most of the game. It looked like victory would be on the cards but a late length of the field try by the Colchester winger saw them lose 5-0.

The second game against Mistley saw Upminster record what was to be their only victory of the day. Louis scored a well deserved try, having earlier put in possibly the tackle of the day. This was added to by Charles as the boys came from 5-0 down to win 12-7.

The final pool game against Bury saw the team lose out to a dubious Penalty Try in the closing minutes. The conversion under the posts proving crucial as the team lost 7-5.

The Bowl Semi final was probably a step too far. By this time the weather and injuries had depleted the squad even further and they were well beaten. However credit to the boys who played on the day, if only they had had the support of a few more team mates who didn’t make the trip.

Squad: Gag, Billy F, Ben C, Ross S, Cameron, Louis, Adam, Will, Seb, Calum, Harry F