We took an extended B squad to the annual Barnet Festival and achieved some fantastic results against some strong opponents.

Our first match was against the hosts. We were well aware of their ability from previous encounters, but the team held firm and worked together. Charlie Mildren opened the Under 10's scoring for the season in a well worked try. Saul Otene then scored what was probably the try of the day by intercepting a slow pass from a Barnet lineout and running the length of the field to score. Regular A team centre, Kier Lloyd who was playing as a forward, then added to our lead so we were at half time were 15 nil up . The second half was a sterner test! - Barnet rallied hard and scored three tries themselves but in a pulsating finish Kier managed to cross the line once more and clinch the victory at the death to win 20 - 15. Several nails were bitten in this finale but thankfully this was to be the last time the manicurist would be called upon!

Our second game saw us face a Finchley side who were an unknown quantity to us as we had never played them before at any level. They were a well drilled and abrasive outfit that tried to pummel us using players running on to the ball at pace from deep at each restart (something that isnt in the rule book). Regardless of this our winning ways were maintained with the pace of Kier being too hot to handle as he went onto to score a well deserved hat trick and thus Welwyn won a tight and competitive encounter 15 - 5.

Our third game was against a Cheshunt side that we have met many times and the team really showed what they could do in this game. A little more expansive game was possible leading to 5 unanswered tries with Saul scoring a brace, while Callum Wilson, Eddie Bullock and Harry Macer each scored a cracker. 25 - 0 - our first clean sheet of the day!

Prior to our final match we knew that we were champions as other results meant that Chess Valley couldnt take the trophy. It can be a challenge to keep a team motivated in this situation, however the squad rose to the challenge of ending the day unbeaten by displaying poise in attack and tenacity in defence. In a tight game at the end of a long day scorers were Adam Hughes and Nathan Blackmore, and we won this final match 10 - 0 - our secong clean sheet of the day!!

Well done to the whole squad who represented Welwyn, namely Morgan Wynne, Adam Hughes, Gus Laws-Mather, Kier Lloyd, Callum Wilson, Saul Otene, Kyle Tormey, Hugo Oliver, James Wooley, Eddie Bullock, Nathan Blackmore, Charlie Mildren, Andrew Dixon , Harry Macer, and James Cory.

Overall we played 4, won 4, scored 15 tries and conceded just 4. The latter being testament to the boys determination, organisation and excellent defence.

Many thanks to all the parents that took the time to attend, cheer on and support the side over what was a long day. Also thanks to the hosts Barnet RFC for their hospitality throughout the day

The Welwyn U10 Coaching Team