u10s Essex Festival April 2018

Sunday saw the last competitive games of the season at the Essex Festival held at Romford & Gidea Park. It was a glorious day, with sun cream and water being much in need! U10s squad consists of more than 24 boys but unfortunately only 12 could travel to the Festival making this the only Festival in which the coaches select a team.

The first game was a tight one against May and Baker with Woodford winning 2-1. The score was repeated in the next game against Brentwood with Woodford also the victors. As the score would suggest both games were tight with great defensive being shown by all the teams. Unfortunately the u10 pitches had to be reorganised on the morning due to some areas being unplayable and it meant that the pitches were extremely tight - not at all conducive for passing the ball out wide! The third match was against an impressive Westcliff side who won 2-0. Understandably the boys were a little downhearted after this. But it was a quick turn around between matches two and three and the heat was beginning to take it's toll. After a longer break in which the boys could take on refreshments it was game for against our rivals from Eton Manor. They had looked quite impressive in their other matches but the boys showed no fear running out 5-2 winners. The final game was against South Woodham Ferrers, who had also looked impressive. As with the first two games it was also very tight. SWF had a 2-1 lead but with the last play of the game Woodford were able to take the ball up to SWF's try line (avoiding going into the touch on the way!); recycle the ball and score a second try to get the draw.

So overall the performance was won 3, drew 1 and lost 1 - a great result given the hot environment. All the boys in the team played really well and the quality of the home training over the season was clear to see. In that regard the other members of the u10 squad who didn't make the Festival Team also need to be commended for the effort and commitment they have put in over the season.

Roll on September and the introduction of a few more rules as the boys progress to U11!