A beautiful day for another tournament for the Kingswood Knights under 11’s. Everyone arrived at Stoke Bishop Playing fields in good spirits and raring to go. It was noted that Mel was the first coach to arrive despite not having a designated parking space this week.... After a quick warm up and sugar boost (who doesn’t love Jelly Babies) it was time for battle to commence.

Game one: Kingswood v Saracens
Our first match was against Saracens who we’ve met a few times this season. We were off to a fantastic start with Jayden Jefferies scoring a try to the sound of St Brendan’s supporting cheers for him from the sideline. Wilf Hacker, George Ryan were putting in some great tackles alongside Sasha Beresford who was hanging off a Saracen with the determination she always shows in her game. Despite some great play and a few brilliant tackles from Jack Gardiner we came second! 5-1 to Saracens. Try scored by Jayden Jefferies

Game two: Kingswood v St Brendan’s Old Boys
Second Team to face the might Kingswood Knights were our hosts, St Brendan’s Old Boys. Plenty of familiar faces from two weeks ago on the Astro. St Brendan’s scored a few early (and some would say lucky) tries but we were not defeated and through some great running from Wilf Hacker and Rocco Slade and Jayden Jefferies we were able to come back with a try. Quick to ruck were William Davis-Tovey and Rylee Kenyon but St Brendan’ were tackling hard and with a super-fast winger they scored again (a few times!). Nyla O’Loughlin had a fabulous run and a near try, even had the St Brendan’s parents cheering for her. It was all getting very physical and a little emotional and a few injuries were sustained but we didn’t give up and went on to get another try thanks to Jayden (now wearing Ian’s boots) and his support crew of Rocco and Jack. Final score 7-2 to St Brendan’s. Tries scored by Jayden Jefferies

Game three: Kingswood v Old Bristolians
Our third match saw us up against Old Bristolians – by far the best team we played (some would say the best team this season?). Samoree Touray was able to get a few good fast runs up the pitch but Old Bristolians were strong and once they had possession moved the ball quickly – we just couldn’t keep them away from their try line. The Knights dug deep with Sasha Beresford working hard to keep possession and Wilf Hacker, Jack Gardiner, Jayden Jefferies and George Rylan tackling hard but it just wasn’t quite enough. We’ll be ready for them next time! Final score 5 – 0 to Old Bristolians​

Game four: Kingswood v Thornbury
For our Final match against Thornbury RFC we were definitely feeling determined and slightly more driven. Our defence was better but the
opposition were tackling high. We kept our cool (just) and the kids played their hearts out. Some great rucking from Rylee and William and some fast moves from Nyla and Samoree. Jayden once again secured a try (now playing in his Astro boots). I think the referee was tired too as a few things went unseen but the Knights were upbeat and kept going. The 4-1 win to Thornbury didn’t really reflect the game fairly. Try scored by Jayden Jefferies

The morning ended on a team talk with the usual post-match fuel followed by some sweets from the birthday boy William. After a quick verse of ‘Happy Birthday’ Wilf Hacker was given Player of the Tournament as he showed grit and determination through all four matches. Each and everyone of the knights should feel proud of themselves today. Thank you to the parents and grandparents that came and supported. Thanks to Karen for keeping score and Michelle who took the shirts to wash.