Quins U8s at London Scottish Festival

Quins Under 8s gathered at Richmond Athletic Ground on Sunday morning with the mood in camp a mixture of pre-match tension coupled with optimism ahead of the first festival of the season. Saturday’s rain had cleared leaving the going good to soft in places, perfect for a morning of rugby.

Prior to the start the U8s got their tag belts on, lined up for a team photo, discussed tactics for the day and split into two teams (Quins White and Quins Blue). The focus for the day was to run into space with the ball and make sure we spread out in defence; but of course, primarily to have FUN!

As soon as the matches started it immediately became clear that all the hard work in early season training has paid off and the U8s played an attacking brand of rugby coupled with some committed defence, mimicking what the Japan team would show later in the day. A few minor hiccups at restarts were quickly eliminated and the U8s quickly remembered to make sure we all have two tags on at all times. We then saw what the kids could really do with loads of great tries scored; we witnessed jinky side steps, silky running weaving past defenders, supporting the ball carrier and last gasp diving tags on opponents flying wingers. What a great start to the season.

Things to work on in coming weeks:
1. Taking the ball at pace not standing still
2. Realigning in defence and getting back on side
3. And finally, passing to the nearest teammate and not just to friends or school classmates!

See you again on Sunday!

Team: Freya, Jacob, Hano, Sam, Thomas, Rowan, Oscar, Howard, Isabel, Jack, Josh M, Jeevan, Murdo, Angus, Lucas, Noah, Josh H, Mason