ColfeiansKent Mini Festival Sunday 2nd April 2006. Under 7’s report. Photos - Stags Festival Report Beccehamian Stags We were drawn in a pool of 5. Only the top four teams would go beyond the pool stage, so the pressure was on from the start. We were drawn in a very tough group, which included Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Brighton B and Old Alleynians. We were initially informed our first game was not until 1050am and so started a gentle warm up period just before 10am. The boys were dancing like their Dads, when the shout came, that our game had been brought forward 50 minutes! So off we went to our pitch to find we were facing Tunbridge Wells, looking fit and mean. We were all there but there was no ref, so a Tunbridge coach stepped forward, checking we were ok with him reffing first. The game started hard and fast, with both teams running their hearts and lungs out. We usually start slowly but on this occasion the boys were out of their blocks quickly. This game was end to end stuff, the boys were out of breath and breathing heavily when the half time whistle went with the score’s at 4 - 4. In came some fresh legs and off both teams went again, running as I had never seen them run before. Both sides had some magnificent runs and tries but the second half we capitalised on two turn over balls, just in front of our try line and ran out 9 - 7 winners. The boys on both sides had played a magnificent and fast game. I have never known our lads to be so quiet at the end of a match. Max was off to a flying start with 5 tries, 2 for Harry Scott-Munro and 1 a piece for Scott and Harry Gibson. We only had 15 minutes to recover and then we were into what we knew was going to be another fast and tough game against Sevenoaks. After losing to them at the Kent Festival the boys were determined to balance things out. Again the game was end to end stuff, with the boys on both teams looking exhausted by half time and the score at 3 -2 to Sevenoaks. The second half started at the same pace, with some great passing and supporting play especially from Jed Sexton, who stayed on the shoulder of the ball carrier throughout the match and displayed some thoughtful and tactical play. Again the final whistle came not too soon for both teams who looked exhausted. There was some confusion over the score, the official scorer said that it was 6 - 4 to Sevenoaks but had it recorded as 6 - 4 to us! With great sportsmanship, Sevenoaks called it a 5 -5 draw, which seemed a fair result. What a baptism of fire both Louis Dacre and Ralph Edward's were having winning their first caps for Beccs! Both Louis and Ralph soon latched onto the idea of relaxing and team ‘bonding’ in the team tent, whilst reading comics and partaking in some energy boosting calories courtesy of Cadburys. Jed’s Rugby Heroes top trumps were also in full use! Our third game was against Brighton B. We knew that we could not under estimate them as Brighton are a force to be reckoned with. We started well and with some great tagging, passing play and individual runs which led to us being up 3- 1 by half time. In the second half Brighton came back hard and caught us napping a little and made us pay, racing to a 5 - 3 lead. The boys dug deep and fought their way back into the match, resulting in a 5 - 5 draw. A special mention has to go to Scott, who must have been on red bull with his calorie intake between matches; he was scorching up and down the pitch and seemed to be everywhere, scoring two of our tries. The other three going to Max. Our final game was against Old Alleynians. We had no idea how the other teams had performed against each other, but with two draws and a win, we could not afford to loose this one, in such a tight group. Again the boys started the game full of zest; you would never have known they had already played in three hard games. Again Scott was on fire, as was Jed and Tom Firth, who was making a welcome return. They were all always in the right place for that vital pass or bit of support. By the final whistle we had won 6 - 4. Two tries a piece for Max and Scott, with one each to Tom Firth and Ollie Gadd. All the boys in The Stags had played their bit, in what was the toughest pool we have played in this season. By the end of the final game in our pool, we were declared second, behind Brighton B. Old Alleynians were declared 5th on try difference and so were out of the competition. We were drawn in the semi final against Old Elthamians, but someone had not told them and so they had already started a semi final against Sidcup A. So we played Medway in the semi final instead. Up until this point it had been a lovely bright day, almost one could say warm. However by the time we played our semi, the sky turned black, the heavens opened and the elements hit us! In difficult conditions both teams played extremely well with Medway coming out on top as 6 - 4 winners. 3 tries for Max and 1 for Harry Scott-Munro. Medway went on to win the final against Sidcup, so although we were knocked out, it was by the team that went on to win the festival. All our boys in the Stags can hold their heads up high, they played 5 magnificent games of rugby and I am very proud of them all and they should all be very proud of themselves. In the pool stages they performed better than any other Beccs team at that festival. The boys watched and supported the Bulls in their 4th place final against Tunbridge Wells. I had not had the opportunity to watch a great deal of the bulls play, but I did endeavour to, to and fro between games. Adam Harrington was full of grit and determination in their final game, as were many of the other players, who were also winning their first caps in Beccs colours. Well done to the Bulls, who beat Tunbridge in a hard fought game. This was the last outing with Beccs for Andrew Ward, who later this month is moving to Australia with his family. For his services to the U7’s over the last two seasons we presented him with a small token from all his team mates at Beccs. The boys were then presented with their medals just as the heavens opened again! Everyone suddenly found a bit of extra energy and ran to the tent for shelter. Even some of the adults looked more like Dame Kelly Holmes sprinting across the fields. The tent served its purpose, as we sheltered from the rain, wind and thunder. We also now know that it can accommodate 23 players and all their supporters! The Stags man of the tournament was awarded to Scott Thomas, for his supporting play and great runs. A special mention has also to be made for Max Tallis, who scored 15 tries at this tournament. I have to thank Simon and Steve, for assisting with the team, when I was off on secretarial duties. As always a big thank you to all the parents and supporters, whose support, and encouragement helped they boys show, of magnificent play today. Most importantly I have to thank every one of the Beccs Stags for doing their club, themselves and the U7’s proud. Andrew Beccehamian Bulls Report