Kingswood Knights u11s wrapped up warm this week for their away trip to the lovely University of Bristol Sports complex at Coombe Dingle for their fixture against St Brendans.
Parents were in high spirits and fighting for the honour of “Kit Washer” when they realised the team had been allocated the AWP for the game, knowing full well their washing machine wouldn’t get clogged with mud from todays outing. The u11 coaches were buzzing for what they knew would be a competitive game, so as the parents hopped from foot to foot in an attempt to keep warm, the players ran through their warm up as if it were a summers day - its amazing how the smell of battle can focus the mind and the u11s were definitely ready, willing and able.

Saints had good numbers and wanted to rotate players around so in good faith the u11 coaches agreed to 3 x 20 minute games of 10 minutes per half. The whistle blew for the start of the first game and the Knights rushed forward to put pressure on the Saints, the crusade had begun!
Saints were quick to take the first scalp with a try, but soon to be followed by a great try from Jayden Jefferies who ran nearly full length of the pitch to touchdown. Saints reply once more, only for Jayden to grab his brace from a well supported try where Ava-Rose Westwood and Yoshi Black formed a maul and drove Jayden over the whitewash. The final try of the half went to Saints and a very positive Kingswood team joined the half time talk from the coaches.
Kingswood received the 2nd half KO and struck first with a well worked opening try from Yoshi. Brendans, feeling panicked lifted their game and pinched the next 3 scores but Jayden once again broke their step and took his 3rd try of the morning. 2 more 2nd half tries from Brendans saw the final whistle of game 1 and Saints winning 8 tries to Kingswood’s 4.

After a quick change around of Knights players, game 2 proceeds only for Saints to sneak an early try. However the u11s were not perturbed by this and reply with a further effort by Jayden, 1 -1. The try ping pong continues and Saints score again, followed by yet another try from Jayden. A last minute play of the half see Saints take another to lead 3 – 2 going into the break
After another half time confidence booster from the u11 coaches the 2nd half starts well with a great Harry Taylor try and true to form Jayden following up with his 6th of the day (2 jugs of beer in the adult game). Saints finish the 2nd game with 2 tries making the total for game two, Saints 5 – Knights 4, what a close encounter of the Kingswood kind.

Another change of players and off we go with the final game of the day. Harry eagerly awaits his return to the pitch pending a HIA following a bump to the head during the last play of game two. Although worried about their teammate and keen to see him back in the mix, The Knights surge ahead despite Brendans replacing their whole squad for the final game – a tactic often used when legs get tired. The defensive play and rucking in this game really did the players justice and showed just what they are capable of. Wilf Hacker was relentless in his tackle and jackal play.
Nyla O’Loughlin screams down the edge of the pitch only to be illegally barged into the corner flag by Saints and bags herself a Penalty Try to start us off. Saints grab the next 2 scores, but with great support from Lily Williams, Samoree Touray gets himself onto the score sheet for the 4th try of the game. Yet another from Jayden takes the Knights ahead, only for Brendans to sneak 1 more back. On the 10 minute mark, the ref asks the teams if they want one more play and of course they do, it’s a fantastic game which everyone is loving. Ava’s tackling throughout this and previous games today kept Saints at bay, but Saints do get a last gasp try leading into half time.
The coaches can tell the intensity is rising for the Knights now and they talk about building on that and the players can’t wait to get back on for the 2nd half of game 3. A huge battle in this half and although scrappy at times neither side were ready to give up yet, but in the end the u11s conceded 2 scores to Saints who had a couple of lucky breaks. Final score of game three, Brendans 6 – Kingswood 2.

A superb show of rugby from both sides today and the final score of St Brendans 19 – Kingswood 11, doesn’t do the quality of play from the u11s justice. However, coaches and parents were very proud of an outstanding performance by all. Player of the Match was awarded to Jack Gardiner for his great running and passing on the day. Yoshi Black was mentioned in dispatches for his grit in defence on our own try line, by holding up players and stopping a try. Lily Williams was also noted for her recycling of the ball leading to a try for the Knights.