The Spring sunshine welcomed the opportunity for the Minis to get involved a Tri -Tournament for the first time this season today (6th March) So great was the number of the teams involved, and a testament to strength of Community rugby at Youth age groups, that the games were spread across all three clubs.

The Under 7s travelled to Hertford as the youngest age group to represent the Club. The coaches (Joe, Tony and Matteusz - poor coach Mark was laid low) were very proud of all the players and to see the progress that has been made over the last few months. They put up such a brilliant performance against some tough opposition. There was excellent tagging and passing with some fabulous runs and tries. More important, there was excellent team work. It was a tough decision for the coaches award of the week (Milo), but the recipient who will be his guardian for the week is Ethan, for his excellent tries.

The Under 8s were at home and hosted ten teams across five pitches. Enfield Ignatians were eager to play as it was only their second game of the season in Under 8 rules!! As a result, there were three brilliant rugby matches played with all players showing great sportsmanship. As each game progressed players became more confident in both attack and defence. In attack players found space to run, zig-zagging between the opposition defence which often led to a try being scored. If tagged there was always a player in support to receive a quick off load and keep the ball moving forward. In the first game we struggled in defence, allowing the opposition to run through our line and not really putting up much challenge. However by game three this was not the case. We maintained a great defensive line, quickly closing down the attack with some great tags, one after the other. Overall, a really enjoyable morning of rugby played by three great teams.

The Under 9s travelled away to play at Hertford and played four mini-matches against some good Hertford and Hitchin opposition.
From the outset all the players showed a commitment to get involved and it was great to see how the confidence is growing with their tackling. Their attack was equally impressive with some excellent passing and support play which led to a flurry of tries.
As always, the parents should feel very proud of how their children did today. Special mention goes to Eddie & Joe for winning "Players of the Week."

The Under 10s had a fantastic morning of rugby over at the very welcoming Hitchin RFC. The 10’s took two sides who each played four matches against Hertford and Hitchin in an action packed tri fixture. The attacking flair of Enfield Ignatians was ever present as was the dominance in the ruck and maul situations. Tackling was slightly amiss today and was the only difference in some of the fixtures.
There were rumours of financial bribery in the last fixture which was naturally Enfield’s best of the day running in tries and banking the reward.
Coaches John and Graeme could not be more proud of the players taking on such big clubs and giving such a good account of ourselves.
Special mentions to Finley and Zach for stand out performances on their respective teams.

The Under11s had eight teams combined with Hitchin and Hertford, in a series of round robin matches on a windswept morning at Donkey Lane. It was mixed fortunes against these two great clubs, but regardless of the score, none of the players gave up across the four matches each side had. Some of the standout performances across the three Enfield teams included Jack J tackling everything that came his way, Jack G bulldozing through the defence every time he got the ball, Leo taking the ball at depth and pace, and Jake making an audacious run!

The Under12s travelled to Hitchin for a morning of great rugby. Two matches with many tries were enjoyed by the boys in blue and gold. Tries a plenty for Ollie G throughout the afternoon, Harry scoring a solo try in the first match, Donal also getting on the score sheet, Matteo and Ollie H with a try following a quickly taken free kick, and some great tackling; especially by Ollie S. Louie made his Enfield debut and introduced himself to everyone with a smashing tackle which is what his coaches were witnessing in the midweek training session.
Two good spirited games were played, marred only by the number of white boots on show!! I am sure Enfield breached the quota (which was zero in the days of their coaches), on a couple of occasions.

The Minis had a great morning and thanks to Hitchin RFC and Hertford RFC for being both great hosts and visitors.