Under 11s v Burton

The morning after the day before (which had seen paintballs, an England team glorious in combined victory and defeat, and Judge Jo holding court with judgements of flour and egg) dawned fresh and bright!

There was trepidation in the management camp as to how the team would perform after a day of fun before and a late night. But with smart new tour kit donned, the Bees found some magnificent form.

Match 1.

Bees kicked off and quickly won possession back before moving through a couple of swift phases for Sam to run in the first try.

From the restart Ewan took the kick and the ball was moved through hands deep in the Bees 22 out to Sam who ran a long 2nd try in.

Try 3 came from Bees good tackling following a scrum to gain possession. Will H gained good ground and more phases saw the ball finally pass out to Lauren then Ewan for him to touch down.

Sam was as spirited in defence as attack, making a try saving tackle when Burton broke down the left and had a first sniff of a try. Bees responded with their own break and Emma ran in try number 4.

Try 5 nearly came through Lauren but defence from Burton secured them a free pass from an infringement. Bees strong tackling won a turnover and hands from Joe out to Sam saw the half finish with a fitting hat trick for Sam to end the half 5:0 Bees.

Burton kick off the second half and Joe came up just short after a great run up the centre. The first try of the half went to Ollie who was pushed across the line by a sea of red Bees.

Keru was in on the action next with good hands from Bees to move upfield from their own 22 to get across the line for the 7th time.

Burton restarted and it took only 3 phases and straight running for Ollie to break free for try 8.

Burton we're put under pressure in their own half by a kick up field from Sam. Bees worked hard to gain possession again and then moved the ball again to Will H to skirt the opposition for a try.

Bees were now chasing double figures and moving the ball well when an interception by Burton saw them get on the scoreboard just before time.

Final score 9:1

Match 2

Bees kick off. Burton try to kick out of trouble from deep but taken by Sam who went on another elusive run for try 1 and for "normal business" to resume.

Ollie hit the score sheet next with a Strong twisting run from his own 22 breaking Burton tackles along the way.

Good play and phases from Bees saw Joe held up on the line. Free pass from off side saw Emma in for a try.

Burton we're putting up a stronger fight in the second game but Bees were still too strong and moving the and recycling the ball well. Lauren was held up but the ball recycled effectively allowing Joe to add his name to the tally.

A good take from Will W from a low kick off allowed Bees to move the ball out to Ollie who stretched his legs up left wing before cutting back inside for try to end the half 5:0.

Bees kick to restart. Good mauling from Bees saw Will H rip the ball to get possession back.
Bees moved up to burton 22 with Ollie after 2 turnovers the ball went Out to Keru who sold a nice dummy to run in try.

Sam got back on the scoresheet again with a run the length of the pitch after a maul on Bees own 22.

Emma made it 8:0 (sorry -missed that one - I couldn't keep up!)

Burton had certainly put up stiffer resistance in the second game and held Bees for the last few minutes for the match to end 8:0.

The bonus power play.

Bees kick off. Burton came out fighting. Bees were still able to draw first blood however winning ball after a scrum then shifting it right then left - great hands for George to run in try.

Burton come through with some strong direct running to put in a swift response try and to get on equal terms for the first time that morning.

Scrum restart and ball out to Ollie who stretched his legs for a comfortable sweeping run up right wing and a nice cut in for try.

Lochie had managed to detach his Fez long enough to get on the field and worked some magic with a wriggling, junking try to make it 3:1.

Try 4 for Bees was a great solo effort from Emma. She took the ball on the Bees 22, broke tackles and with great physical effort broke free from a burton mob to run over the line to secure a 4:1 victory for Bees at full time.

A great weekend! Thanks to all who organised (Claire!), and to those who took part, and a fitting festival of rugby by Bees to round things off.

Just need to find a decent touch judge now ;)

Words by Ben Hudson