Welwyn Under 7's win Richmond festival

Welwyn Under 7's at Richmond

Welwyn Under 7's at the Richmond Festival

Welwyn were drawn in pool A against 3 sides from Surrey (Sutton & Epsom, Richmond B and Rosslyn Park) as well as one side from Warwickshire (Market Bosworth). In pool B there were also 4 Surrey sides (Cobham, Dorking, Richmond A, Farnham) as well as another Hertfordshire side, Bishops Stortford.

In game 1 they played Sutton & Epsom and this match served as a warning as too how tough proceedings were going to be throughout the day. The Sutton side were a big well organised side and in the early stages had Welwyn on the back foot. However as the game progressed Welwyn stepped up their efforts and began to score freely and almost at will. Kier certainly had his turbo boots on at this stage and everyone except Isaac (don't worry he was saved for a reason!) would get their first taste of the tournament. Welwyn eventually ran out 7 - 4 winners.

In game 2 they played Market Bosworth. This game mirrored the first match in that the opposition came out all guns blazing and Welwyn had to work hard in defence during this period. Kyle, Guy, Jack and Cameron worked immensely hard so that they could turn over the ball. Having successfully weathered the early storm Kier and Joey again ran home some tries as well as Alfie who seemed to be just about everywhere on the park. Welwyn again won 7 - 4.

In game 3 Welwyn played Richmond's B side. However just before the game disaster struck! Kier who had been outstanding up to this point had picked up an injury and could no longer run freely. The decision was made to leave him out of the side in the hope that the rest would give him time to be fit for the later stages of the competition. Thankfully, Kier's enforced absence did not derail the Welwyn express as the team steam rolled Richmond to run out comfortable winners by 5 tries to 1. Louis, Saul and Isaac showed that they too had turbo boots and the opposition crumbled under the intense pressure of their forward running.

Having now qualified for the Semi Final's, game 4 was a straight shoot out against the other unbeaten side in our group, Rosslyn Park. Again Kier was rested from the starting line up, in a match that still had some importance as the winners would secure top place in the group and meet the runners up from pool B. Once again Welwyn upped their game and put in their best team performance of the day. Alfie was simply sensational and orchestrated attack after attack for the Welwyn boys as they ran in another 7 tries and conceded just 3. In fact Welwyn's defence was so good they forced the opposition into error after error and their coach into some disgraceful outbursts. He was sent to the stands but as you will see their paths would cross again!

After a short rest, Welwyn as winners of Pool A were up against the runners up of pool B, Farnham in the Semi Final. This was the best rugby game of the day as both teams played an open game. Kier returned to the starting line up and proved his fitness with some well taken tries. Alfie again ran the opposition ragged with his weaving and Guy, Isaac, Nathan ,Joey and Louis provided the pace on the flanks. However, having said all of that it was the defensive and support play of the quartet of Cameron, Kyle, Jack and Saul who were again simply fantastic and ensured that Welwyn got the ball at crucial times during the game. In a closely fought out match Welwyn eventually secured a 6 - 4 win.

With the time fast approaching 3 pm Welwyn proudly stepped out for their second consecutive festival final of the season to date having previously won the Harlow festival.

Firstly it was something of a surprise to find that Rosslyn Park had beaten the much fancied winners of pool B, Cobham but perhaps more surprisingly was that the Rosslyn Park coach was allowed on the field of play! However those matters were not any concern of Welwyn and although they now entered the final as favourites they also knew Rosslyn Park would want some revenge for their previous loss. By now a big crowd had swelled as Welwyn's under 11's and 12's were cheering on from the sidelines following their own heroic performances.

Team Captain, Cameron, was at this stage the only Welwyn player not to have scored during the competition and although he had performed heroically in defence during the games he was on a mission not to be left out. He took his chance with aplomb by grabbing the all important reply to Rosslyn Parks opening score. Kier who by now was fighting fit and chomping at the bit to get the ball struck another blow for Welwyn. Alfie, who had been instrumental throughout the day managed to take his performance to an even higher level and ran in some more tries to give Welwyn a 2 try cushion at half time.

In the second half Welwyn traded try for try as the glorious end was in sight. Isaac then broke free and appeared to be about to score the winning try when disaster struck as the ball slipped from his hands as he was about to ground the ball. Was there to be one final twist yet? Rosslyn Park immediately raced down the other end to score and get to within one try of Welwyn and suddenly they found themselves under pressure. Would they hold their nerve for the final few seconds? Of course they did! There cannot be a more fitting finale to this competition than the sight of Isaac atoning for his previous error and racing clear of the Rosslyn back line to ground the winning try. A huge roar went up from the Welwyn supporters as the try was the last play of the game and Welwyn had won 7-5 and Cameron could lift the cup for Welwyn's Super sevens!