Welcome to the lovely British winter weather…

Old Pats U12s sent two squads to Minchinhampton RFC on a very cold and very wet Sunday morning. However, the welcome from Minchinhampton RFC, as always, was warm and welcoming and the matches were played in the usual fun and jovial spirit that we have become accustomed to whenever we meet them.

Despite the torrential rain making handling extremely difficult, both the Old Pats squads played fast, attacking rugby whenever possible.

This positive approach proved successful with both squads managing a win in their first game (6-3 and 5-1 respectively). In both matches Minchinhampton offered a stern test for our forward packs, but Old Pats were strong in the rucks and some physical performances from Jack K, Freddie B and Callum B in one squad and Oli B, Kayden G and Logan F in the other squad helped lay the foundations for our backs to wreak havoc by using the resulting quick ball to attack.

In the second set of games the horrific weather meant the cold was starting to set in for both teams. Despite this, both Pats and Minch dug in and tried to play a quick attacking game.

Tom R and Charlie R provided good ball and strong running from Josh J, Henry Y, Riley A, Reuben H and Harry S meant that both squads maintained the attacking style we always try and play. However, to their credit, Minchinhampton never gave up and in the second round of matches Pats had one win (7-3) and one loss (3-0).

Excellent refereeing from the Minchinhampton coaches helped the games flow and we thank them for braving the elements to referee all matches.

James Speller