U8s Host Sheffield in the sun.

On a surprisingly warm Sunday morning, to the joy of many parents as the folding chairs came out, and bacon sandwiches bought, the players warmed up.

After a discussion on the performance of the Panthers at Ilkeston it turns out Lewis may have overestimated his try score. But with a quick check, Garvin rectified the matter. Someone may have been overpaid much to Lisa’s delight.

A couple of games of scarecrow and a quick team talk, the players were ready for action.

Some say teams don’t lose they only win, or learn. Today was most definitely a learning experience. Sheffield fielded two strong teams bolstered by Ella, Sheffield started very strong, solid support and open rugby passing before being tackled “Something Ben would love to see the Panthers do”. But the training ethos of every game as a learning environment, started to pay off as the morning progressed, passing started to improve and the scores started to move in the Panther’s favour. After the matches a spirited game of British Bulldog was enjoyed by the Sheffield and Chesterfield players.

Thoughts from the trenches:

Ben: Challenging play from a strong opposition. Good progression though the day.

Garvin: Lots of passing good team work, Sheffield showing strong support and solid play.

Dave: I was the referee, don’t ask me this week

Andy: I thought yesterdays fixture against Sheffield Rugby Club was possibly our sternest test so far. My team on the day consisting of Charlie, Scarlett, Ollie, Kai, Chris & Isaac produced some outstanding rugby which was a joy to watch. The first match was pretty much one sided. Apart from letting in a couple of sloppy tries by our standards the panthers ran riot with a good mixture of well worked tries combined with some great solo efforts.

The second match was an absolute cracker. Two sides evenly matched, played out a thoroughly entertaining game of rugby covering every inch of grass on the pitch. Both Panthers and Sheffield were a credit to their respective clubs/coaches and what a great advert it was for junior tag rugby. A special mention must also go out to Ella who kindly volunteered to play for Sheffield and had an absolute stormer, especially against my team in the second match. Cheers Ella.

Overall this fixture was a great test for our squad, and it brought out some of the best rugby I have seen the Panthers play on home soil.

Thanks to Sheffield for a good game, and I am looking forward to watching them play against us again next year.

To the people who make this happen Ben, Gavin, Andy, Richard, and Dave thanks again.

Yours Cookie (Roving Match Reporter, U8’s) + proof-reading By Rachel