Sunday 18th April 2010
Havant Festival

Our squad was Oliver H, Ben H, Bill, Niall, Harry P, Harry S, Martha, Joseph, Freddie and Jacob B
After last week's success at Bournemouth, we were out to see if we could do it again and bring back some more silverware!
Havant was set to be a hot day and we knew we would have to keep the team under control and save most of their energy for the forthcoming games. We were grouped with Jersey, Alton, Brighton, Pulborough Panthers and Havant Sharks.

Game 1 - Jersey We got a bye as Jersey didn't show, so that was an easy win!!

Game 2 - Alton Despite a good warm up we started the game quite deflated, several of our boys got confused with the team tactics and ended up not playing up to their normal standards. Before we knew it we were already trailing. Alton were a fairly strong side but did make some mistakes. At half time we were behind 4 - 2. A good team talk woke us up in the second half and we were almost back on form. the pace of the game increased and with us all knowing that time was ticking away things started to go our way with several knock ons and touch being called. The final whistle blew with us drawing 6 - 6. What a fantastic come back. Tries from Niall, Harry P x 2, Ben H x 2 and Martha

Game 3 - Brighton Another team we have never played before, and we soon discovered they were good, with a couple of their players who were almost impossible to stop! We soon settled down and started to show them what we had become with some great rugby. The tries started coming and the space was being used well. Unfortunately we couldn't get any turn overs to catch up the score and ended up loosing 7 - 5. Tries from Harry S x 2, Joseph, Bill and Freddie

Game 4 - Pulborough Panthers At this stage our team were really fired up knowing we had to win in order to get somewhere in the competition. Pulborough seemed a really strong team during their previous games and we knew this wasn't going to be easy for us. However, from the start we went off with such a pace we totally threw our opposition into chaos causing them to make so many mistakes we achieved turn over after turnover with some of the best tagging we have ever done. By half time we were 5 - 0 up, our team were so fired up we were ready to start again before Pulborough had even settled down for their half time team talk. Time and time again we pushed forward causing them to make even more mistakes, 6-0 up and we thought the game should have been stopped because of having 6 clear tries, however it continued, and despite a couple of late mistakes from us, we won 7 - 3. Tries from Ben H x 3, Harry P, Martha, Jacob B and Joseph.

Game 5 - Havant Sharks We now knew that what ever the result we were on our way to the plate semi final. Havant weren't going to give us an easy run there though. We went out and took control of the instantly. With our usual fast starts, continuously pushing forward and taking over the best part of the pitch. We were unlucky to have a couple of harsh decisions go against us. We didn't worry too much as at the final whistle we had drawn 6-6! Tries coming from Harry S x2, Ben H x3 and Oliver H.

The Plate - Semi Final. - Andover. Here we go again we all thought. What a chance to get or first ever back to back tournament wins. Our first task was to get through Andover. Naturally they were out to play their best as they wanted the final as much as we did. From the start it was full on fast action from both teams. we put more pressure on with the increase of pressure. The tags were going and the tries were building up from both sides. There wasn't anything to separate us. this had become a real battle. The final whistle blew and we had ended up with a 5-5 draw! The tries coming from Ben H x2 , Martha and Harry P x2. Being the semi final a draw wasn't any good. So after all that effort it was decided on a toss of a coin!.................We won!!!!! Bring on the final!!

The Plate Final - Salisbury What a tough one this was going to be. Salisbury are always a strong team and who only the week before had won the cup at Bournemouth. We had faced them last season and had only ever beaten them once so the pressure was really on! From the start both sides were at full speed. We worked harder and harder on our fast starts. with being warned by the referee as some of our team had already reached Salisbury before they had even started. Salisbury's tags were coming off all the time. We were now in the middle of one of the best Wimborne displays ever. The game flowed with great passing, speed and space. all the months of training were paying off now. Minutes left and we were still equal. This couldn't end up with another draw. after all the work another toss of the coin would be cruel to both teams. We then saw our lucky break and took it and scored the winning try just as the whistle blew. final score 9-8 to us! our tries from Harry S x3, Ben H x3 and Martha x3.

This just showed what a huge team effort this was with every one of our squad scoring a try throughout this competition. What an achievement. The mighty U8's have come along way over the past few months. we are now a real threat to any team out there.

We are now all looking towards our own Tournaments to end this fantastic season in true style.
Thanks again to all parents and siblings for your great support and for keeping us coaches fed and watered.

---

Sunday 11th April 2010
The Bournemouth Tournament

After Saturday's extra training session our team arrived buzzing. Our usual warm up was spot on with every team player out to do their best. We managed to get a practice game in which always sets us up well. We were shocked however at the size of the pitches, they were tiny. We were drawn into a pool along with Ivel Barbarians, New MIlton, Swanage & Wareham, and finally Launceston. We knew it would be a tough morning's work.

The first match against Ivel Barbarians, a strong team with a couple of fast players; as always we wanted to get a win with our first game to set us up with the confidence for our remaining matches. We set off with a very strong, fast start which is something we have been working on for a while now and instantly gained ground from the beginning of each play. We put on a display of great tagging and good use of space despite the size of pitches. We finished winning 5 - 2 with tries from Joseph, Freddie x 2 and Jacob B x 2.

Game 2 against New Milton, this was the one we knew would be tough. So far we have never beaten them and our team must have had this in the back of their minds. From the start it proved we had a real battle on our hands. Unfortunately a couple of early mistakes from us resulted us in being 2 - 0 down within the first few minutes. Eventually we made some good chances and started scoring. Despite our tagging abilities they were too quick for us, with the game ending with us loosing 8 - 4. Our tries scored by Niall, Harry S x 2 and Harry P.

Game 3 against SWANS - despite loosing game 2 our confidence grew as our team knew they could achieve something good from all this. We've always been strong against SWANS and when we played against them earlier this season we were first class and they didn't stand a chance! Straight from the beginning we had total control of the game with brilliant tagging which gave us at least 2 turnovers. The pace got quicker and quicker with us finally winning 7 - 4. Try scorers being Martha, Harry S x 3, Jacob B x 2 and Joseph.

Game 4 against Launceston - now we were really fired up knowing we couldn't afford to loose the last game. It was a case of going out with all guns blazing. This was a real battle with end to end action, tag after tag from our team, with the ball being passed continuously. With so much width being used we even saw a few lovely spin passes crossing the pitch from our team! The final whistle blew with a 6 -6 draw. Tries scored by Joseph, Freddie, Martha, Harry P x 2 and Harry S.

We knew we had the chance to go through to either the shield or the plate final. We were joint second in our group and missed out on going through to the shield by 3 tries.

The plate semi final against Bournemouth 2 - by this time the atmosphere was brilliant with everyone totally fired up for going home with silverware. During the past few seasons Bournemouth have been another team which we have never beaten. This gave us the ultimate challenge from the start. This was another real end to end match with fantastic tagging and plenty of chances from both sides. We battled on with both teams so evenly matched. The final whistle came with both teams totally exhausted with us winning 8 - 7. We had not only beaten Bournemouth, at last, but were now in the final!!! Tries scored by Freddie x 4, Martha x 2, Jacob B and Harry S.

THE FINAL against Cranbrook - it couldn't have been a better draw with us facing Cranbrook who we had hosted at home the day before at Wimborne. We knew that they had beaten us the day before, but as we said, it was our turn today. From the start this was another fast pace game with chance after chance for both sides. So many tags being taken and the tries coming in. All through the game we were either drawing or one try behind them. The clock was ticking and we were still drawing, with Cranbrook committing a knock on we gained possession, and with a great team push forward Martha scored to take us into the lead. Cranbrook knew they had to do something quick as time was nearly up and they broke through our defence. It looked like their equaliser was inevitable but with a very quick strong tag Niall managed to force the Cranbrook player to step into touch just on the try line. Turnover! The referee called with 10 seconds remaining and Oliver took the ball back into our own half and into safety. The final whistle and we knew we had done it 8 -7!!! Tries from Niall, Ben, Martha x 3, Harry s x2 and Freddie. The atmosphere was electric with so many happy faces, players, parents and coaches. Before we knew it we were called to receive our trophy and medals. What a day!

Thank you as always to all the parents and siblings who supported. I have never heard so much cheering as as I did during that final. Well done team we are so proud of you all.

Our Squad were: Jacob B, Ben, Jacob Br, Oliver F, Freddie, Joseph, Harry P, Tom R, Bill, Harry S, Niall and Martha

---

Saturday 10th April 2010
Wimborne welcomes Cranbrook and Chelmsford Touring sides

This was something different for us. The first time we were hosts to two touring sides and on a Saturday. We managed to get a team together and welcomed both sides. As we were all in the Bournemouth Tournament the following day, this gave us all a chance to see how each other played and what to look out for. Despite this it was a very relaxed morning with a lovely friendly atmosphere with all three clubs enjoying the opportunity of getting some practice in.

We started the morning against Cranbrook. A very quick team and a team who played very similar to us. The match was a great start with our side starting a little slow but eventually waking up with some very good passing and tagging. Soon the tries started coming in. The children were loving it and it really showed with their eagerness to perform. Despite the effort from our team we came away loosing 5-7.

Game 2 against the very colourful Chelmsford in their 'Tommy Cooper' Hats and robes. Saw us once again putting in some great passing and tagging. once again some very quick passing which resulted in another great game. At the final whistle we ended with a 6-6 draw.

A great mornings work and what an opportunity to give our team a run out before the tournament. Lets hope it pays off!
Many thanks to all children, parents and coaches for giving up their Saturday morning.

Our squad was: Jacob B, Jacob Br, Ben B, Joseph, Harry P, Bill, Harry S, Niall and Callum

---

Sunday 28th March 2010.
Eteach Cup St Patrick's Party Match Day Festival. Reading

Wimborne's U8s travelled to Reading along with U7s,U9s and U10s in a convoy of coaches to hopefully bring back some silver ware. Considering our current form. we still knew that this was going to be a tough day.However despite the early start our team were full of energy when we arrived. Unlike most of us coaches and parents!

We had been drawn in the group along with Maidenhead, Aldershot and Fleet, Oxford and finally Farnham.

Our first game was against Maidenhead a strong team and quite evenly matched to us. Our team started off strong and very fast. with great passing and a strong show of tagging. We ended up winning 6-3 with tries from Jacob B, Harry S,Freddie L, Adam T and Ben H (x2)

Game 2 aginst Aldershot and Fleet went even better. We as a team were much quicker and set the pace of the game leaving our poor opposition trailing in our wake. We came away at the final whistle with a 5-1 victory with tries from Ben H (x3), Harry P and Jacob B. We were unlucky to concede a try. As our tagging was first class with us achieving three turnovers through constant tagging.

Next was our game against Farnham. A strong team and very quick. Unfortunatley we ended up against a side who started with 8 players instead of seven. We ended up losing 6-1 with the try scored by Ben H.

We still had a chance to win the group if we could beat Oxford in our last game. We started off well and it ended up as another fast game with plenty of chances for both sides. Oxford had a fantastic solid defence which made it almost impossible to break through. the game finished with us losing 5-3 our tries scored by Ben H, Jacob B and Adam T.

It was a shame that we missed out on our final but we will be back next year when tags will no longer be an issue. We all set off to enjoy the St Patricks game with London Irish beating Sale Sharks 38-0 Many of the kids (and Dads) were disappointed that the streaker wasn't there this year though.

It was great to see Wimborne U9's & U10's win their finals and well done to U7's for reaching their final during the half time.

Our boys, despite a strong performance were so unlucky not to reach the final. But we are all so proud of you, Hold your heads high because next season you will be awesome.Bring on the contact! As always a huge thanks to everyone who travelled with us and gave us all so much support.

Our squad was Jacob B, Ben B, Niall S, Freddie L, Bill R, Joshua L, Joseph M.M, Adam T, Ben H, Harry P, Harry S, Jim C. With Toby B from U7's who did a great job supporting the team throughout the day.

---

Sunday 21st March 2010
Sherborne vs Wimborne

We had a squad of 13 players who travelled up to Sherborne. After putting in some recent impressive performances our team were keen to continue with our good form. We played four games in total, with three wins and one defeat. some fantastic tagging and great try scoring. Not a bad mornings work! A big thank you to all who travelled and supported our team.

Thank you.
Rob

---

Our squad : Martha T, Freddie L, Niall S, Jim C, Oliver H, Oliver F, Bill R, Jacob B, Harry P, Harry S, Joe B, Adam T.

Our trip to Salisbury gave us our first taste of Autumn with the temperature down to a chilly 3'c. for some reason our team were really keen for their warm up this time.
Wimborne were placed in group A, with Bournemouth, Winchester, North Dorset, and Salisbury A. we knew from the start that this was going to be a tough group.

Our first game was against Bournemouth. Always a tough one as they are a strong fast team. In true tradition we started very slowly, allowing Bournemouth to score some easy tries. Our main problems were down to below-standard tagging and our players bunching up together. Eventually we ended loosing 6-2 with our try scorers being Niall S, and Adam T.

In game 2, we faced North Dorset. Another strong team which were going to give us a tough ride. Our team started finding space and were producing some great runs. The only issue we had was loosing out with the 6 tag turnover. North Dorset had a couple of very fast runners who broke through our defence with ease despite the increasingly stronger tagging. In the end we lost 8-2 with our try scorers, Harry P, and Harry S.

Our third game was against Winchester. This is where we started to get back on form. With fast paced play, great tagging and some blistering runs, resulting in some first class tries. We began to get turnover after turnover, and really turned the game around. A couple of silly little mistakes cost us dearly resulting in a 7-4 loss. Our try scorers were, Freddie L, Niall S (X2), and Jacob B.

Leading up to the final game. Our team were so determind to finish on a high and win. However the only thing standing in our way was Salisbury A team. A very strong side and a side we have never beaten. Our team from the start we just amazing. The mighty Wimborne took full control of the game. Tries were being scored, tags were falling, and so much space was being created. Salisbury got through with a couple of lucky runs and also a couple of tackles!!!! (at one point we thought we were facing an U9's team!) Still we came at them finally winning 5-4. The score doesn't give our team enough credit for the way they played. The look on our players faces were truly memorable. The realisation of beating Salisbury was better that winning any trophy. What a way to end a festival. Try scorers were Martha T, Harry S (X3), and Joe B.

Every one of our players did themselves, their parents and us coaches proud. As they say, we learn by our mistakes, and will certainly get stronger.
Watch out Wimborne RFC U8's are here!!!

Once again a big thank you to all our very supportive parents who supported both the team and kept us coaches under control.

Report by Rob Stanley

---

Sunday 4th October 2009
New Milton Tournament

The start of a new season for this year's Wimborne U-8's. Most of these children have progressed from Wimborne U-7's to U-8 and with this we have seen a reduction in the size of the squad but the quality and depth of skill is as good as ever.

This particular Sunday saw a lot of "firsts" for us all. There were debut's for Ben and Joseph, playing their first tournaments for Wimborne, having joined the club at the start of the season. There was not the usual bitter wind and rain that we normally experience at New Milton. Last year the U-7's had a habit of starting slowly at Tournaments and then finishing with gusto but this was not the case this Sunday. The Team were drawn in a group with Bournemouth, New Milton, Salisbury and the Trojans.

The opening game was against Bournemouth, the Team that came second in the Wimborne Festival and a Team which we have struggled against previously but not this Sunday. Wimborne came out of the blocks like a Team on a mission. They tagged superbly, ran well and worked superbly as a Team and their ten minutes of endeavour earnt us a 3-3 draw, a great result however you look at it. We had unusally started the Tournament well, another first.

The next game we lost 7-6, (Salisbury?) Again, at the Salisbury Tournament last year they fielded three Teams, so this game was never going to be an easy game. It was a game that we could have won but the referee is always correct even when he is wrong. In this game we did not make the most of our tagging and although always good at scoring tries our defence was not quite where it should be. By this point the coaches sensed a little disappointment and frustration creeping into the Team. Also, at this point "Jimbo" retired from the Tournament not feeling too good having just recovered from Swine Flu but the Team were grateful for his efforts and attendance.

Next game up was the hosts, New Milton, a well drilled Team usually and again winners of the Wimborne Festival last year and therefore no push over. The Team worked hard but were outclassed and the disappointment was starting to show as the boys faces started to grimace and disappointment crept in. Much to the surprise of the coaches they also looked tired, were they out on the "alcopops" and peanut butter sandwiches the night before?? (Head Coach to conduct a full investigation.) The final result was defeat and this brought some of the young men to tears, the agony was too much. Sadly, at this point we were facing another first, going to a Tournament and coming away without a win, surely not possible for the mighty Wimborne?? Coach Nick was faced with the tough task of motivating the Team and Coach Adrian tried the usual blackmail, "hot dogs on the Plate if you can win it."

So the boys were fired up and ready for action and the task ahead was straight forward, beat the Trojans or an early bath. Well the lads did not start very well and it all looked ominus as we kept trailing by the odd try but then the Team dug very deep in the second half and scored two or three tries on the trot to pull level and then the supporting parents, coaches and boys themselves felt that they could win the game but alas it was not quite good enough and the early bath was the order of the day. The whole Team was devasted and the coaches were faced with another "first" trying to console a Team that had given every effort and as usual had made the coaches, parents and Wimborne very proud.

The boys behaviour and conduct was excellent. There were a lot of positives to take from the Tounrament and here we will mention just a few; Oliver H and Joseph made some great tags, Harry S and Harry P made and scored some great tries and were outstanding, Ben (eventually got his debut try, well done!) and Joseph started to become part of the Team having recently joined the club. The hardest lesson to learn was losing because the boys saw this as failure but in the scheme of life there will be another day and we are sure they will be stronger, fitter, better drilled and more knowledgeable. We may have lost this battle but we have not lost the war, bring on Salisbury in two weeks!

Our team were: Jim C, Niall S, Harry S, Harry P, Jacob B, Joe B, Freddie L, Joseph M - M, Ben S, Ben H, and Oliver H. Coaches were; Michael Longmore, Rob Stanley, Adrian Barber, Nick Berry.

Report by Adrian Barber.

---

Twickenham Double Header & London Festival Of Rugby Under 8's Tag Festival
Saturday September 5th 2009

We saw this as an opportunity to see how well our team had faired over the summer break. The Wednesday before, we trained for an hour in the pouring rain and looked very off form. However with all the team in high spirits and with a huge amount of enthusiasm being back together, they were first class.
We had four matches to play with the team scoring the highest amount of tries getting to play at Twickenham at half time between London Irish and Saracens.