The force is with U9's at Colfes festival

The festival season resumed with the short trip to Colfes. Our first game was due to be against a Barbarians team but Blackheath decided to put out a team against us. We had spoken about previous slow starts but this time we were quick out of the blocks with some great tackling and running which put Blackheath firmly on the back foot. Our opponents simply couldn't cope with the intensity of our defence and were pressed into numerous mistakes and made little ground. In attack we used our speed to find gaps and at the end we had run out 7-0 winners. A clean sheet at this level of rugby being a fairly rare event. Blackheath had turned up in their red and black hoops looing like Dennis the Menace but finished like Bashed street kids.

Next up were the Old Alleynians and straight away they showed that this would be a tougher test as they broke through to score. We hit back however and managed to secure the game when a turnover lead to a try and a decisive 6-4 victory.

Sidcup were next on the menu and we knew from previous meetings we were in for a tough encounter. This game turned into a mini classic as the teams both tackled hard and Sidcup showed seem real power in their play. It was score for score until we managed to edge into the lead and secured victory when a seventh tackle with Sidcup only metres from our line ensured a turnover and the welcome sound of the full time whistle. The Sidcup coach paid tribute to out defending saying it was like watching a test match and the sheer determination and attitude of saying " you are simply not going to score here" was a joy to watch and my personal highlight of the day.

The familiar maroon and black hoops of the Old Beccs were next and again this was a very close affair. Both teams went toe to toe and score for score with Beccs showing some clever running lines. The match was decided when a fabulous cover tackle put Jay into touch metres from the line and Beccs got a decisive score in the corner on the last play.

Finally we took on our hosts who had organised such a great festival and the match against Old Colfians saw Leo go head to head with his cousin. Again the consistency and relentlessness of our tackling played havoc with the hosts who made mistakes with at one point one of the Colfe's literally passing the ball to Dom to score so unable were they to cope with the Beckenham wolf pack defence. In attack we found holes in a tiring Colfes side and Marshall helped himself to a hatrick as we ran out 7-1 winners.

All in all a fantastic days rugby and even the predicted rain held off. Supreme team effort with Oli K, Marshall, Jay, Dom, Arthur and Fynn all getting tries. Oli J and Peter lead the defence in showing great line speed and countless completed tackles. Leo took home the shield and it was great to see him growing in confidence putting in tackles and setting up Oli K for a try with a super inside pass. The team should be very proud of their efforts as they certainly made my weekend. Although there are now no official winners at these festivals there were nine winners I could see at the end and they were dressed in blue and gold hoops.

Good news is only 6 days before we do it all again at Old Beccs!