Today saw Tewkesbury Under 11s take part in the Mini Festival at Evesham
There was one pool with three other teams Bredon, Upton/Malvern and Evesham.
This was always going to be a tough day with six of our squad unavailable due to illness and other commitments. Many of those who were playing had been ill during the week.
Our first game was against a strong Bredon side who through excellent flowing rugby put four tries in against Tewkesbury before they were awake. Tewkesbury were not playing like normal which was frustrating for all who watched. Poor tackling and poor rucking from Tewkesbury also allowed Bredon to go into half time 4-0 up. Tewkesbury rallied a little in the second half playing much better rugby, stronger in the rucks / scrums and putting more pressure on Bredon slowing them down and causing them to make mistakes. Bredon only scored one try in the second half and won 5-0. Well done to Bredon who as a very strong outfit went unbeaten on the day to win the Cup.
Our second game seemed that it would be against easier opposition in Upton/Malvern, but once again Tewkesbury started very slowly most unlike them and not like what we have seen in previous games throughout the season. Upton scored two tries in the first half. Tewkesbury again rallied in the second half scoring through J.Carter. Tewkesbury also went over the line twice after that but only to find the referees decision was that the ball was held up. The final score was 2 – 1 to Upton/Malvern.
This left the boys going into the Third Game against Evesham pretty down but they were rewarded with two tries from a much better performance all round.Much to the delight of the coaches and parents! The try scorers in this game were A.Newing and J. Brinn.
The final positions in the pool saw Bredon and Upton play in the Final for the cup and Tewkesbury and Evesham play again in the Final for the plate.
The plate final saw Tewkesbury start to play the rugby we are all used to, with strong tackling, rucking, scrummaging and quick passing along the line. The boys were rewarded with 5 tries from N.Knight, B. Roberts, O. Osbourne, E.Perry and S.Thomas. Tewkesbury won 5-0.
Tewkesbury left the festival as plate winners.
A big thank you to all at Evesham RFC who had obviously worked really hard to organise this event.
Hopefully the boys will hit the ground running earlier next week as we go to the County Festival at Cirencester.