Yesterday saw the U7s compete in their 1st ever tournament at the Allan Day Saracens Cup at Merchant Taylors School in Northwood. Illness had reduced the squad to just 7 boys but what a performance they put in.

The 1st pool match saw them drawn against the pre-tournament favourites Old Albanians, and although we suffered a narrow defeat (25-15), the defensive practise that the team had been putting in over recent months was beginning to reap real benefits. Tries from Nathan Caamano (2) and Finley Hiorns (in only his 3rd week of rugby) were not enough to win the game, but it was clear the boys meant business.
In the second game, against the much fancied Hitchin Eagles, we defended very well, but some outstanding attacking play from the opponents saw us go in at half time 15-5 down with just a try from Nathan C to show for the boys efforts. The half time team talk from Coach Neil must have been some chat because the boys upped their game both in defence (where Jamie Stirrup and particularly Ben Hutton made some truly awesome tags) and in attack (where Eoin McGivney’s and John Crabb’s strong running led to Jamie and Ben again figuring on the score sheet). The tide was turned in our favour with Hitchin Eagles being forced into a series of mistakes due to the quality of the team’s defence and Harrow capitalised with 3 tries in quick succession. The win was secured with a minute to play – an outstanding 20-15 victory.
Approaching the penultimate pool game with a new found and justified confidence, the Harrow U7s tore into Chess Valley from the off and although the opponents scored a couple of consolation tries, touchdowns from Eoin, Finley, Ben H, Nathan and Jamie S; some cracking defence (special mention for the great tagging from Ben Brownleader) and some outstanding breaks from John C, made sure that the result was never in doubt. 25-10.
And then to the final, nail biting pool game. Watford and Harrow were tied on points with the winner of the match going through to the knockout phase as the best runner up. They had a star player – we had a team. And what a game. Despite our best efforts, and some truly courageous defence (stand up for Saracens Ben B) we were unable to close down their star and he scored try after try. Unbowed by the one man show from the opposition, and playing their best ever rugby, the whole team rallied together and equalled Watford try for try. At the final whistle a 25-25 scoreline testament to the efforts of both teams.
A tie on points meant a nervous wait for the ‘try count back’ calculations followed by momentary disappointment as we found that, as we had scored just one try less than Watford, they would go through to the quarter finals and we would go home.
However, it was a proud and successful day for us all. It was the 1st tournament the boys have competed in and they never once failed to give 100%. And they never once forgot the 1st rule of U7 rugby at Harrow – have fun!
The HRFC Player of the tournament went to Jamie Stirrup – but it truly could have gone to any of the Squad. Well done and see you at next week’s training.

Greg, Marco and Neil