London Scottish Festival

On a very grey, windswept and wet morning at Old Deer Park, two teams of Harlequin Amateurs RFC U11s, the Whites and the Blues, attended the first festival of the seaon at London Scottish. This was to be our first competitive test of the new U11 age group rules, including 9 players a side, kicking and hooking in the scrums.

The HA Whites played four matches drawn in a group playing against London Welsh and Richmond RFC, with both clubs entering two teams. Overall, it was a tough morning for HA Whites with both London Welsh and Richmond being well drilled in the ruck and carrying the ball forward. With a mixture of wins and losses, HA Whites gradually woke up to the task in hand, battling hard with some great defensive work. When HA Whites then got the ball in hand there was some great running and passing play. Probably of greatest benefit was that the competitive edges of all were toughened, not least in rucks and tackles. Lessons to take away and work on include attacking into space, winning our own ball at the scrum (hooking) and applying pressure in defence.

The HA Blues also played four matches, drawn against Teddington RFC and London Scottish, coming out on top of three out their four matches. HA Blues put in a great effort in attack and managed to put oppositions under pressure in defense, showing good line speed and communication to keep the pressure on. With the ball in hand the running was direct and with purpose showing some great individual skill coupled with good awareness of teammates around the ball carrier. Support was always in numbers, with great rucking to maintain continual forward momentum at the breakdown. HA Blues play was very encouraging with some good skills being shown and sensible use of the kick and chase.

All in all, a great learning and developing experience for HARFC U11s today with great effort and commitment shown by all. They should certainly sleep well tonight! Training as normal at Broom Road next week. Don't forget to tick your availability in Pitchero. See you there.