Today’s team performance was immense.

In unexpectedly warm, close conditions, all players put in a shift from whistle to whistle. Against the runners up in the other Staffs under 16 final, a team who in recent years we have not managed to best.

Before the match our boys were given one objective, today was not to focus on the score, but to try to put together all the elements of our game that we have worked on so hard over the summer. Working in pods, running lines, line out development and backs moves.

Under the steady guidance of today’s Captain, Calvin, our boys did all they could to work into our match play, what had been asked of them.
Showcasing driving lineout mauls, dominating line out play, technical running lines to sheer determination and literally gut wrencing effort.

As a coach I could not have asked for more from all that played today.

Of course there are things that we can build on, but in terms of fronting up our opposition we brought the game to them and some!!

At the final break we were still strong and the game was ours for the taking, only to be denied by a penalty in front of the posts.

Stand out performances from our forwards, who at times, were in complete control at the scrum.

Congratulations to Jaion for his first “Walsall try” great to see a smile across his face as he ran back to the half way line having gone over.
Jenson and Hayden also adding to their tallies. Fred had an amazing game putting in tackle after tackle, our 9s linking the forwards and backs efforts. Our backs working together to try to pierce a strong defensive line with speed and guile.
All had to show real resilience in a really edgy physical competition.

One final big congratulations to those that were asked to play in unfamiliar positions today. All I will say is that for most of the match no one would have known that you were playing outside of your normal comfort zone.

Hold your heads up high boys a great start to the season.. well done!