Chipstead Blues U 10's Joint Bowl winners Surrey 'A' Festival

The Team: Luke, Euan, Lewis, Rory, Finlay, Tom, David, Marcus, Inigo, Tommy, Daniel and Kieran

In absentia: Elliot & Oliver – get well soon guys

So was this a vintage performance by the Chipstead U10 (“Exiles”) Blues team? No. Was it however an effective and efficient delivery of another trophy for the cabinet at the Meads – certainly.

This was a hard fought Surrey ‘A’ Festival pitching the players against some familiar and potent opposition.

The Exiles first match was against Rosslyn Park. Suitably pumped up by a pre match prep talk from the coaches the players went onto the pitch to meet the South West London side. We know Rosslyn Park is a class act; however so are Chipstead. The first half was a frenetic mix of Chipstead attack and resolute defence as we held our own with a resulting blank score card at half time. Rosslyn however started to up the ante in the second half and scored a try that probably reflected the balance of play up to that point. However rather than heads down, this score seemed to sting Chipstead into renewed vigour. Some quality passing and (given the speed of the pass) some equally top drawer handling delivered the ball for Chipstead to go over for a try to balance up the score line. Final score: 1-1.

Next up were Reedonians. This was a game where Chipstead did not deliver on the pitch. It happens. Suck it up and learn from it. In the first half Reeds went over for two unanswered tries and although Chipstead had plenty of attacking endeavour in the second half it was to no avail with Reeds going over once more in the second half. The match was a case of the opposition being that half a meter quicker to the ball, more physical at the ruck and maul and more imaginative with the passing in open play. Final score 0-3.

With eight groups and twenty four group games, the permutation of results saw Chipstead in a Bowl quarter final match against Esher.

The quarter final was a clinical performance. With the boys having been blooded (literally and metaphorically) in the group stages, the intent now was to go for it in every game or else we were going home. The first half was one-way traffic with the Exiles running in five unanswered tries. The second half was a case of the boys taking the pedal off the metal; although still holding Esher at bay the Exiles score one final try for a comfortable win. Final score 6-0.

The semi final pitched Chipstead against Richmond, who had come through a group stage comprising Effingham & Leatherhead and Kings. They had a bye in the quarters so were hungry for game time. This game can probably be best described as full on. Although the ground was hard (indicating that the recent rain had done little to ameliorate the conditions) both teams threw themselves into the tackles and the breakdowns. This was a really competitive game. On three occasions Chipstead crossed the line for the ball to be held up. A succession of five metre scrums could not shift the impasse and at the final whistle it was a case of honours even. Final score 0-0.

Chipstead group stage count-back of net -3 points was better that Richmond’s minus six. So Chipstead went through to the Bowl Final against Camberley.

The Final had a less than auspicious start as Camberley scored early with the softest try the Exiles conceded all day. That is to take nothing away from the Camberley players who ran hard, straight and fast; with the result that such endeavour often delivers. Chipstead rallied and, with all players actively involved, the momentum swung backwards and forwards. Finally Chipstead made the breakthrough to go over for a well executed try. As with the previous game against Richmond however, the match ended in a draw. Final score 1-1.

Chipstead and Camberley will share the 2012 Surrey 'A' Festival Bowl title. The toss of a Camberley coin determined that for the next six months it will reside in our trophy cabinet.

Food for thought. Going into contact leading with the ball rather than the shoulder is probably not the most effective method to retain possession; our rucks and mauls – so efficient at the Effingham & Leatherhead festival lacked oomph, [Simeon's comment during one match that we were playing a 70% game seems fair]. We need to be hungrier at the breakdown and more willing on occasion to distribute the ball out - route one has its place I guess; but it is not the only way to play.

In summary. Let’s take nothing away from the players. This was a good day’s rugby. Lessons will be learnt. Some of the newer players have now tasted victory as part of the Exiles’ squad. Everyone played their part – from the players and subs through to the parents who provided vocal support (and coffee – thank you, thank you, thank you), to the coaches who kept the boys focused during a long cold day at the foot of the Betchworth Hills.

Well done everyone

Peter