Out thanks go to Clint from Watford and the rest of his coaching team who organised and refereed four halves of first class rugby and also supplied some quality players to bolster Enfield‘s numbers. Many thanks to Joe, Joseph, Connor, Alex and Ethan from Watford for agreeing to play in the Enfield team and take the opportunity to run their own team-mates ragged…!!

Although five of our squad were unfortunately not available for this fixture, the remaining ten players made the best of their opportunity to shine and yet again it seems that the quality of play is increasing week on week. The game mantra of “everyone tackles, everyone runs forward and everyone passes” was reiterated before the game and this week it resulted in the best passing, rucking and recycling display of the season. In fact, even Clint felt the urge to run onto the pitch a couple of times to congratulate the rucking and support play from Enfield.

The games were 12-14 aside, and given that we played on a normal U9s size pitch, space was at a premium and contact was the theme of the day, which given the temperature, was just as well as none of the players had a chance to get cold. Although we suffered our normal slow start and turned around 0-20 down after the first two halves, we had plenty of chances to score with Austin Lutwyche coming closest to the try line before spilling the ball just as he was about to score the try which was a shame given his strong running and solid defence throughout the morning. Joe Sear also saw plenty of the ball and always beat at least one opponent before being tackled or off-loading the ball. However, it was the quality of our rucking and mauling that really shone with Nathan Clifford, Liam Devane and Elliott Ullah coming out on top in most rucks and mauls and winning several pieces of opposition ball by simply driving their opponents off the ball or getting hands on the ball and ripping it out of the oppostion maul.

In the second half, Alfie Maggi enjoyed one excellent run from a free pass and Oliver Bourton continued to show improving contact skills with a hatful of tackles to his name and some deft offloads in the tackle. However, it was Louie Rodman who finally crossed the try line simply because he tracked the ball carrier, made himself available from deep and allowed his forward momentum to take him over the line for our first try. Max Getling took inspiration from this, and looking very comfortable in the scrum-half position scored an excellent solo effort off the back of a scrum.

Finally, a special mention to William Gallo (and Marcus & Sally) who ‘cried on’ on Friday to ensure that we got a team out and treated us all to his usual mazy running which is now beginning to be complimented by some excellent passing out of contact and some first class presentation skills when he went to ground. In fact, of the other two tries which were scored by Alex from Watford (thanks Alex !!), at least one was based on the space that William’s run created.

Sunday was a good days rugby in which both teams played together, showed great sportsmanship, competed well and gave their parents plenty to cheer about. Both teams should be proud of their display and both clubs should be proud of these guys who will hopefully eventually feed through into the senior sides and carry on the traditions of giving 100%, respecting the opposition, enjoying the game with like minded players and forming lifelong friendships along the way.

The future looks bright for Watford and Enfield.

Players:
Alfie Maggi - Austin Lutwyche - Elliott Ullah - Joe Sear - Liam Devane - Louie Rodman - Max Getling - Nathan Clifford - Oliver Bourton - William Gallo