After a month of some excellent training drills undertaken by the boys and after one friendly against Battersea Ironside last week (Wasp’s U9 B W 2 L 1), the under 9 B’s faced the daunting task of participating in 2011 Ealing Festival.

The under 9 B’s acquitted themselves splendidly. Though the U9 B’s did not win a match they competed in all the matches played scoring two tries in total. Wasps U9 B’s improved match by match, though having match two and match three consecutively was quite hard on the boys especially as we only had 9 players and no subs (a big thank you to Mike allowing one of the U9 A’s to play with us for the second half of the 3rd match and for the 4th match).

For Wasps’s the festival culminated in a much anticipated showdown with London Welsh B. Boys from both teams knew each other well and both teams were desperate to win. A very tight first half ended with London Welsh scoring a try just before half time. However Wasp’s B came out of the traps swiftly in the second half scoring a scorching try and sending the crowd (Wasp parents... and coaches) wild!!!! The crowd’s enthusiasm was quickly drenched as the referee disallowed the try for a hand off…. (BTY the referees were excellent throughout the festival). Unfortunately London Welsh took advantage of Wasp’s disappointment and very quickly scored a second try. However our boys did not give up and after much pressure Gareth broke away and scored a splendid try. Wasp’s were pressing for an equaliser but time was up.

There were so many positives highlighted during the festival such as Wasp’s competed in all matches. All the boys showed great heart, skill and determination. Their tackling was excellent, and their mauls, rucks, scrums and line outs were faultless.

However, what the coaches will be working on to take the next step; are to encourage more numbers to attend these types of festivals, we need the whole squad to participate. The taller boys need to practice high tackles (legal high tackles). We need to ensure the boys avoid fending off as the refs come down hard on that. The boys need to grab onto the ball and avoid the ball being ripped from them (i.e. less turn over’s) and also learn to rip the ball from their opponents. Also the boys need to use the touch lines more cleverly, i.e. avoid touch when they have the ball and tackle and maul the opposition into touch when they have the ball. Lastly off loading the ball in rucks needs to be looked at.

I think all the boys and parents had a great day, the sun was shining and rugby was being played. Hope to see all the boys next Sunday.

Best Wishes
Mani