Edenbridge U9’s finally got their first taste of a full contact festival after having their previous 4 festivals cancelled due to the weather, not even the looming storm Dennis could stop a squad of 10 players with 20 parents and siblings making the trip to Staines RFC to attend the Harlequins festival.

Our first opponents were Battersea RFC, who had already played and won their first game. Our boys took to the field and lined up eager to get going, the Refs whistle blew and 10 seconds later we were one try up with Daniel Smith charging through with such determination to score. We played with that passion and teamwork until the final whistle were further tries from Archie Lane, Alistair Overton-fox and Jax Grant left us leaving the pitch with heads high and chests out winning 4-2. All the boys played amazingly and it was smiles all round.

Our second game was against Fareham RFC who came out flying and went 3-1 up, with a couple of minutes to go and heads starting to drop a quick rolling sub gave us a boost and by the final whistle we had came back to 3-3. Again the boys showed the fighting spirit and were happy with what they’d just achieved.

With two games left Storm Dennis was making itself known and we had to cancel a match, so our last game of the day was against Worthing RFC Who were a player down, with a quick loan deal agreed James McGourty stepped up and played for them. We huddled round and decided to give it our all and finish the festival as we started.

We were 6-1 up with Lawrence Hooley getting on the score sheet and the other boys adding to their tally making it look like a perfect end. Then, in the last seconds one of the Worthing players pounced on a loose ball and scored the last try of the day. When the player finally appeared from the pile of body’s on top of him it was our very own James with a smile from ear to ear.

All the boys played so well and received many plaudits from the Harlequins coaches that watched them play.

Stefan Clifford, Matthew Kilroes, Joe Cuckney, Toby Hindley, Alistair Overton-Fox, Lawrence Hooley, Daniel smith, Archie Lane, James McGourty.
You did yourself, your coaches and Edenbridge RFC very proud.

A special mention must go to Jax Grant who was unanimously voted as player of the day.

After the festival we all attended the Stoop for Quins v London Irish, and not even the horrendous weather or result could stop everyone enjoying themselves. A fantastic day of rugby for everyone involved.

Jon Lane, Simon Hindley, Rob Grant