The Alan Day Plate Finals at Allianz Park offered most of the boys their first opportunity to play at the home of Saracens. Having been inviited back after a festival in January we took the opportunity to send two teams so that parents an boys alike could enjoy the day and watch Saracens take on Exeter in a top of the table clash.

The Knights and Crusaders were both in the same pool and had to negotiate the pool stages as one of the top two teams to play on the pitch at half time. Both teams performed well, winning 6, with 2 draws and a single defeat (and that was Wendens vs Wendens).

A great day out for parents and players alike, Saracens were great hosts and their players posed for loads of photos with their fans, boys , coaches and parents!

Knights

The Knights put on a fine display on the Allianz pitch. They moved the ball well, and tackled with real enthusiasm. They started with a 2-1 win over Sevenoaks, before two tough draws 2-2 aginst Chess Valley and 1-1 against Westcliff. They needed to beat the Crusaders in their last game to finish second in the pool, they did them no favours however, and they recorded their only defeat of the day. Great teamwork and a fine preparation for next months tour.

James Merritt-Dunn, Charlie Stock, Oli Reid, Elliot Richley-Jones, Ben Cassidy, Benjamin Scott-Priestley, Kit Denison-Smith, Jake Mason

Crusaders

Strong tackling was the foundation for the crusaders with plenty of 7 tackle turnovers in all of their games. Up against Chess Valley in their first game they fought out a 2-1 victiory against considerably bigger opposition, more straight forward victories against Westcliff and Sevenoaks left them with their final game against the Knights, which they pinched 2-1 to make it through to the final.

At half time they took to the pitch, with the Knights supporting boisterously from the touchline, they put in their best performance of the day to run away 4-1 winners over Chess Valley and bring home the silverwear. There was coverage on BT Sport of the half time heroics for those given the afternoon to watch the rugby on TV.

Over all it was solid display, but there was a tendnacy to run into traffic, and take the ball into contact when the wings were in acres of space, so plenty to refine as we embark on our first tour.

Marcus Wentzell, Fred Pollitt, Sam Prentice, Felix Thompson Wild, Isaac Astin, Thomas Dyster, William Crabb, Ned Caton

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