Old Pats had to showcase all their skills and discipline to run out worthy winners of a closely fought tournament this morning.

Six teams took part, with Wellington, Old Cryptians, Thornbury A and B teams and Midsomer Norton providing the opposition on a beautiful sunny morning.

The first match against Wellington got off to the best possible start with a score within seconds of kick off, but even at 3-0 down the opposition didn’t lie down and put OP under sustained pressure in the second half, scoring then having a try disallowed.

It took a fine passing move late on to put some gloss on the score for Old Pats. The next game against Old Cryptians was an attritional affair with tough tackling and a draw was probably the right result despite being 2 up at half time.

The Thornbury A game was also excellent, Pats racing into the lead with two lovely tries; the first from a break inside their own half and the second a quick passing move to score in the corner.

Thornbury kept up the pressure though and were rewarded with two of their own – only for Pats to break free and run the length of the pitch to score and clinch the game on the final whistle. A hard-fought win followed over Thornbury B, with another very late try making the difference after strong defending from both sides had kept the game scoreless.

The tournament was rounded off in great style in the match against Midsomer Norton, and with the game tightly poised at 2-2 Old Pats again crossed to seal a win and the tournament in the last play of the match.

The improvement in the U11 Greens’ performances this year was clear for all to see, with all the matches today against good opposition who provided a really stern test.

The Greens stood strong, and the performances were characterised by a well drilled defence, good discipline and confidence to take opportunities when they came, with several tries coming from deep inside their own half having been under a period of pressure.

Above all it was great to see the full commitment from first to last even as the tiredness set in.

Huge thanks to the efforts of all the coaches as the team have been listening and the work has clearly paid off, and as ever there was great support from the touchline for the team.

The U11 Greens leave Thornbury tired and happy, and if they continue to develop and perform like this we can look forward to more great entertainment this season.

Chris Emery