"3 weeks on the road" is proving positive

Third week on the road for this U10's squad who travelled to Rosslyn Park on Sunday 13th Nov; after the previous two weeks @ Haywards Heath, & Esher. It was a fresh morning, but, a very early start from Chichester as meet time was 9am with first game @ 10:00am.

The squad had been entered into the A's competition, and where scheduled to play; Rosslyn Park 2, Hammersmith & Fulham 1, Teddington 1 & finally London Welsh 1.

1st Game v Rosslyn Park 2

With the memory of the loss to Rosslyn Park the prior weekend @ Esher you could see the anticipation within the squad, and with the coaches’ knowledge that there is usually a 'slow' start to festivals we were all keen to get the game started. Amazingly the squad took themselves away, unaided by coaches and started there warm up drills (!) - who needs coaches?? As expected it was a very tight game, but, the gain-line speed in the defence paid dividends in closing down the width RP where bringing to the game (A lesson to be taken on board for the squad and coaches - width!). Final result a draw 1-1. Try scorer: Jonah Hutchings

2nd Game v Hammersmith & Fulham 1

With the opposition being an unknown entity, the squad where encouraged to take the lessons learnt from the previous match (I.e. use the width), unfortunately the advice was not heeded and the squad played a very close game, looking to break through the 'traffic', but, with playing a higher level the squad are learning route 'A' is not always the answer. But, with the ball being used wide on one occasion a try was scored, a further from breaking through the 'traffic' at proximity to the opposition line. Result: A win 2-1 to Chichester. Try Scorers: Jonah Hutchings & Jaiden Cloke.

3rd Game v Teddington

Having ref'd Teddington, the prior weekend @ Esher; Teddington where known to have strong runners and therefore the defence of the squad needed to be resolute - which it was, to the great annoyance and frustration of the Esher squad. A much tighter game, but, with some excellent rucking & counter rucking skills at the breakdown the squad turned the ball over on numerous occasions which in turn kept the Esher squad in their own halves for much of the 12 minutes played. Result: A win 1-0 to Chichester. Try scorer: Jaiden Cloke.

4th Game v London Welsh

With the squad being encouraged to take the lessons learnt from the prior 3 games, there was evidence that they were listening to the coaches; as they demonstrated use of the width, inter play passing, robust rucking, running through the 'saloon doors', and with the excellent defence the squad have, they won the final match 2-0! Try scorers: Jonah Hutchings, Jaiden Cloke.

A successful first trip to Rosslyn Park, which has generated some 'work to do' for the coaches in identifying areas of improvement for the whole squad which will be integrated into coaching sessions in the future... I.e. back to basics in certain areas. But, what was most satisfying to see, as agreed by all the coaches was the visible unity that is growing in the squads - the sheer elation in the whole squads faces after the final game was momentous.

Thank you to all the parents who are investing the time to get the squad to this fixtures, it does mean almost the whole day is dedicated to rugby, but, the results are paying off.