U10's v Barnet

On a muddy and thankfully sunny Sunday morning, Cheshunt hosted Barnet for only our second home fixture of the season.
Cheshunt once again welcomed a new player to the team, with Harry making his playing debut after only one training session. A very warm welcome goes to Harry and his family from all at Cheshunt rugby club. Also playing his first competitive game for Cheshunt was Will. We hope you both enjoyed your debuts and that they are your first games of many for Cheshunt.
With 17 boys available this week, the players were split into two even teams, the Cheshunt Sharks and the Cheshunt Lions. Both teams had a good mix of experienced and newer players. No such thing as elitism at Cheshunt, all for one and one for all!!!
In the first round of games, the Cheshunt Lions went down 4-0 to a well organised Barnet team. The Lions fought really hard and some great tackles were put in from Callum, Chris and captain for the day Jack G, this was accompanied by some good running from Tommy and Morgan, with Bradley, Will and Freddie providing excellent support. The Cheshunt Sharks managed to hold on to win 3-2, with two tries from Finley and another try from Tevin, who also put in some crunching tackles along with Bobby and debutant Harry. There was also some fantastic support play from Jake M, Jack B, Jake D, Konrad and Josh.
In the second round of games, the Cheshunt Lions went down 2-0 despite playing a large part of the game with a man down after one of our players picked up an injury. The Cheshunt sharks also went down 1-0 in a really closely fought game. Really well played boys and excellent fighting spirit in both games.
The boys then played one final game and lost 2-0, but this game was more about giving every player the chance to have one more game rather than worrying about the result, there were lots of rolling subs. It was great to see that despite being covered in mud and playing some really tough games, all of the boys were enjoying themselves enough to want to play another. Not every club can claim to have that team spirit!!
So just the one win this week, but some really strong running, brave tackling, true team spirit and a great attitude shown by all of the players. Most important of all, judging by the banter after the game and in the changing room, the boys had great fun and really enjoyed themselves.
There was only one man of the match award this week due to a trophy malfunction, which was awarded to debutant Harry for his tackling and his overall desire to get involved and work for the team. Well played Harry.
So back to the drawing board for the boys, but I’m sure we can expect a strong comeback for our next game. Come on Cheshunt!!!
By Neil Gruncell

Photos available at www.noodlep.com