Rugby is a game of numbers so, on 7th November 2021 the Old Pats U11’s took 2 squads (Spartan’s & Barbarian’s) of 14 players each 29 miles to Berry Hill RFC, taking 53 minutes. We arrived in the glorious sunshine on a warm, autumnal day and were greeted by 16 Berry Hill players.

As you would expect, our squads were not phased at all by the relative difference in squad sizes and quickly lent Berry Hill 3 players from each squad (rotating each half) to enable a fair and competitive match to occur.

And our kids loved the whole experience – seemingly focussing most of their effort in tackling their friends.

From the outset the play was fast, energetic and enthusiastic. Pleasingly, the play was also increasingly organised, having worked on this in training last week, with players spread out across the pitch well and the nominated 9 and 10’s dictating play. Particularly pleasing though was the way that when gaps appeared we maximised the opportunity presented to us by playing some lovely, decisive running rugby.

In summary, a lovely day at a really lovely club (a nice setup, really welcoming and friendly people and lots of delicious hotdogs!!!) with everyone involved displaying all the core values of rugby.

Thanks to Berry Hill RFC for hosting us. We look forward to returning the favour in the very near future.