With half term, and an injury to this week’s Captain Harry Way, the squad consisted of only 10 players and this turned out just to be enough.

The first game was against the hosts, Beccehamians and as before in festivals, the team started slowly. It was a low scoring and a bruising encounter. Jack Kearns showing his usual willingness to tackle was unfortunate to get a nasty knock on the chin, which would mean he missed the rest of the festival. Not be beaten, and with only seconds left on the clock, after some good tackling near the host’s try line, Brodie (better late than never) was on hand to pick up a loose ball to score to gain a valiant draw, 1-1.

The weather started to take a turn for the worse and so did the fortunes of the team. The next game was against, Dartfordians who proved to be a strong rucking team and unfortunately, gave Edenbridge a lesson in disrupting play and how important it is to look after the ball. The team lost another player, with Ethan feeling unwell due to a previous knock. Unfortunately, we lost 3-0 and the heads looked like they were dropping.

But then, after an inspirational team talk from coach John and the sun peering out from behind the clouds. The 8 left standing (and with a bit of parental encouragement) took to the field against Bromley. The team all stood together and put a shift in and played for one another and for team. They ran out winners 2-0 and their belief was restored.

Edenbridge decided to leave the best performance till last against Old Dunstonians. After a first half when a few missed tackles proved costly, the team started to improve and there was some lovely free flowing rugby. We were 3-3 at the break and team was firmly in the mood not to finish with a loss. The next half of rugby was brilliant to watch, with players running straight, looking after the ball, tackling and rucking and passing to one another. 3 excellent tries, with one a pre-planned move, put the smiles firmly back of the players (and parents) faces. 6-3 win to Edenbridge.

Let’s take this form to Sidcup next week. Hope Jack and Ethan are on the mend.

JI