Pre-match warm ups focus on tackling practice and some lessons learnt from last week.

First match is against Droitwich and a great start and some solid tackles lead to an early Rhinos’ try. Interceptions played important parts in the second and third tries and a strong drive produced a fourth. The first scrum of the match delivered a clean ball that went over the line to put the Rhinos 5-0 at half time.

There was some spirited tackling early in the second half but Droitwich pulled a try back then went on to score a second up the right wing. The Rhinos took the ball up the middle for try number six and despite a great run of play from Droitwich, the Rhinos scored a seventh try. Final score 7-2, what a start!

Round two and we have drawn the much favoured Longlevens ‘A’. A slower start to this match, a few missed tackles but some gutsy defence means that by half time the score is only 1-0 to the opposition. A few more missed tackles saw the score slip to 3-0, then 4-0 following a great run up the right by Longlevens. The referee awarded a late try to the Rhinos to bring round 2 to a close at 4-1.

The last of the pool games and we have the hosts Evesham Force. A very positive mindset from the kick off saw the ball returned and dumped over the Evesham try line in short order. Another couple of runs from deep in our own half saw the score at 3-0 at half time. Evesham scored early in the second half but the Rhinos were far too strong. Solid passing and some fantastic individual runs saw the score climb steadily to a crashing finale of 8-1.

Pool stages over and Longlevens A and B take top spots, leaving the Old Pats ‘Rhinos’ to battle Redditch for third place. Redditch started well and found lots of space out wide to rapidly reach 3-0. They added one more just before half time, tired arms missing some crucial tackles. Second half and Redditch pull away again and the Rhinos were only able to muster a consolation try in the dying seconds. Final score 5-1 and an overall position of fourth.

Also, huge congratulations must go to Amelia and Jack who were given the festivals two ‘Smiley’ awards (for the two happiest players of the day from across all the teams involved).

Many thanks to Evesham RFC for organising such a great day of rugby. Everyone involved had a brilliant time. There were some inspired performances and plenty of solid team work. Well done all!