Fixture

After numerous hurricanes, tornado’s and various other periods of monsoons, the RTB Steelers u10’s returned to action to experience their third Sunday of rugby since November.

The visitors were Nelson, a team we have never played before. The squad attending were missing a number of familiar and experienced players who have been regulars of this and previous seasons. Family commitments and winter fever’s kept the boys away, we wish them either enjoyable holidays or get well soon, whichever is applicable.

On a bitterly cold morning, the game commenced. Initial exchanges went in favour of the Steelers and it was not long before a lead developed. However great play by Nelson ensured the scoreboard was never out of control. The Nelson team showed a great mix of physical strength and ball handling to score a number of very good tries, however the home side always had the speed of Josh Davies and power of Jamie Reynolds to counteract all the visitors could throw at us. Led by the ever dependable trio of skipper Charlie Birch and tireless half backs Dylan Edwards and Lewis Prendergast, the ‘Steelers’ eventually overpowered Nelson to register a 45 points to 25 victory.

There were many positives to take out of this game, the performances of the ever improving Callum Rooker, who scored the ‘try of the day’, Mason Lewis, along with newcomers Cameron Boulter and Kiyan Evans. Best of luck to the very combative Nelson team for the rest of the season.

After this game, the U10’s stepped in to help our colleagues in the U11’s, who had their game cancelled short notice earlier in the morning. As a club, we had to ensure the U11 age group experienced rugby this morning, so the U10’s provided the opposition. The game was played in a very good spirit, and although very tired and threadbare after the efforts of the Nelson game, the U10’s gave a very good account of themselves against fresh, powerful and talented opponents. The U11’s powered into the game, eager to get back on the pitch themselves. The younger age group found it initially difficult playing U11 pathway rules, that was new to many members of the u10 group. Great handling in the middle by Mason Coughlin and Dan Sullivan, ensured the ‘cheetah’ on the wing, Jack Thomas, wreaked havoc to the defence of the younger group. Both sides emerged from the game with credit, the u11’s for a great display of handling and the, by now, beleaguered U10’s showing great tenacity trying to keep the opposition at bay. A final score of 25 points to 5 in favour of the older group was a fair reflection of the informal game, refereed superbly by Mr Lines Senior.

The U10 group now begin preparations for a busy final quarter of the season, tournaments, tour and floodlit spectacular’s offer an exciting period. Many thanks to all parents for the great support over the testing winter months, hopefully the first stages of spring are around the corner.