Excellent "all squad" performance by U12s 'Exiles' in Kent

Another Sunday and another "train & game" session away from the Meads. Old Beccahamians provided a warm welcome on a cold November and a collective series of training session culminating in a tasty couple of matches. Congratulations to both Blues and Golds today; two highly competitive and combative encounters against this quality Kent side. Big thanks also to the players and coaches from Old Beccahamians for making this such an enjoyable fixture on the calendar

The Blues faced up to a Beccehamians' "A" team fired up with intent. On a narrow pitch, the hosts provided the physicality up front that the Blues have needed. It is fine playing against opposition that give you the time to work the moves and play the angles and overlaps; but this was a more physical game requiring quick thinking and handling as well as physicality at the breakdown. Old Beccs produced some quality phases of play and some lively set piece moves; but the Chipstead defence was solid. Whilst some of the Blues' early decision making under pressure raised eyebrows amongst the travelling support, their commitment to go forward was resolute and Exiles pressure culminated finally in a deserved first half try for Chipstead. The second half was more of the same with a succession of attacking and counter attacking phases of play as each side sought to cross the gain line. With the combative intent on display there was always the risk of red mist descending; but discipline held. Chipstead made a number of surges to the Old Becc's line but the game eventually came to a conclusion with no additional points gained by either side. [Final score, Old Beccs "A" 0 - 5 Chipstead 'Exiles' Blues].

The Golds improvement continued, and against a very good Beccehamians' "B" team team the boys produced their best rugby of the season. Their tackling was faultless with both forwards and backs giving 100 per cent commitment. The forwards held their own in the scrum and line out and ran themselves ragged. The backs finally have some go forward and their rush defence would have any team worried. In fact significant ground was made with tackles that we're not just hard but also drove the opposition back to make big yardage; well-done boys. With some small improvements you will be up there at the end of the seasons, with the best teams in the county. [Final score, Old Beccs "B" 5 - 15 Chipstead 'Exiles' Golds]

As a test prior to the Sutton & Epson Festival next week, today's session was just what the Blues needed. For the Golds, today confirmed the progress made this season and should give a huge boost of confidence going to Old Reigations next Sunday. Well done to both Teams.