HRFU

Trojans U9s Review of the Season 2009-2010

Having run a number of ‘Tag to Tackle’ introductory sessions with the help of the RFU over the summer it was with great enthusiasm that the U9’s prepared to embark on their first season of contact rugby.

A steady stream of new starters grew our number of registered players to 35 and with a good turnout level. Sunday mornings turned out regular numbers of 25 or more most weeks.

The beginning of October saw us competing against teams from Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire in the New Milton Tournament losing narrowly in the semi finals of the Cup. An encouraging early endorsement of the RFU backed “off-loading” style of play.

Soon after, from November through to February, the weather took a hand in disrupting the season for all with either flooded or frozen pitches being the norm. Unfortunately two emerging players tournaments were cancelled as a result, reducing the opportunities available to get all players competing at an appropriate level in this important first year of contact. However with enthusiastic support from parents progress was maintained on all weather pitches and indoor venues as much as possible.

In December the squad went to compete in the prestigious Etihad Curtain raiser competition at Harlequins, facing teams from across the South East. A determined performance in the pool stages secured a semi final spot, after winning their group. The semi finals in February were a hotly contested affair but once again determination won through. Despite being grouped with the  “invincibles” the Rosslyn Park A side who have not lost a match in 2 years, Trojans progressed to the final as a best runner up. In doing so they became the only Southern Counties U9 team to win through to the Grand finals at the beginning of April. A first for the Trojans Mini section and a tremendous achievement in itself, duly rewarded by a trophy shield presented by Harlequins.

The County Tournament in March led to the disappointment of being knocked out of the Cup quarter final on try count-back despite being undefeated and having won our group. This was balanced by the joy of seeing team mates in a Barbarians Squad made up from Trojans and Fareham Heathens progressing to the final of the Bowl competition where they played with great spirit but were ultimately narrowly beaten. Not only had another 8 Trojans gone to the Counties but we had also enabled 7 Fareham Heathens to participate who may not otherwise have done so.

With the season drawing to a close, teams went to the Worthing tournament and then to The Vectis Festival on the Isle of Wight giving a late opportunity for as many as possible who had missed out on the emerging tournaments to show their mettle.

At Worthing we encountered 5 teams who we had not met previously, one of whom we were to meet again only weeks later in the plate semi final on the Island. The Vectis Festival mixed the fun of a tour with some excellent rugby and great team spirit and saw the team triumph in the Plate competition to finish the season as it had begun bringing home some more silverware.

In amongst the tournaments, and despite the weather, fixtures were played against  New Milton, Eastleigh, Basingstoke, Andover, Overton, Jersey and Totton, giving every player in the squad the opportunity to take part in competitive rugby as well as developing their newly acquired contact skills.

Notwithstanding the achievements during the season the real measure of success can be judged by the fact that the vast majority of squad players had the opportunity to take part in at least two “A team” tournaments with all the excitement, and team spirit that is involved, and we continued to forge close relationships with other clubs both near and far. However the most important aspect of the season has been the tremendous spirit within the group, parents and players alike and that smiling faces have been evident in both  victory and defeat, and in sun, snow, hail and gale!

E-Mail  web@trojansrugby.co.uk or phone the Club on 023 8061 2400 (Bar) 023 8061 3068 (Admin)      

This page last updated:  11 March, 2012