The Esher "Floodlit" Festival took place on the evening of Friday 29th April. The Chipstead team (comprising Blues and Golds) were put in the A group of the festival along with hosts Esher, Wimbledon and London Welsh. The conditions for the games were not perfect as the recent hot days had made the ground very hard and dusty.

The first match saw the boys take on hosts Esher. This resulted in a 6-0 nil for Chipstead. Some tenacious tackling, strong rucking and the best mauling and driving we’ve seen from an under 9`s team, proved to be the winning formula.

The second game was against Wimbledon (who finished higher than us at the Surrey A`s). It was a very evenly matched contest with both teams playing hard direct rugby. The Chips prevailed in the end 2-0. Once again the boys could not be faulted for their commitment to the Chipstead jersey.

In the final game we were up against London Welsh, who earlier had drawn with Wimbledon. The boys had saved the best for last. Tackles, rucks, driving mauls, allied with slick passing led to another 6-0 win. Chipstead Under 9s had finally won the trophy their season deserved.

Boys your tackling was very good and on a number of occasions you made ground by driving the opposition back. These tackles often became turnovers due to your efforts. The driving mauls were a thing of beauty, commented on by parents and coaches from other teams.

Well done to you all especially the pack. Remember you hunt together and when you commit to rucks and driving mauls together invariable we will win the ball or gain yards. If we can get the ball out and move forward passing the ball we are sure next season you will be a team who will win more silverware.

Congratulations to everyone who participated. Well done.