Our U13 Wasps team had their first Herts and Middlesex League match on Sunday 11-Oct-2026.

We brought 16 players to the fixture, with the rest of the squad playing in the Baabaas match in conjunction with Ealing Trailfinders vs Enfield Ignatians.

Our players arrived early to Pinner and were welcomed with an impressive set of warm up drills from coach Chris.

Still playing in his 50s, means that Chris is able to give great insights to our players and set the forwards up nicely into pods, which they used to their advantage.

Despite, missing some of our heavy hitters in the forwards pack, we were confident that we could still maintain great possession to allow our explosive backs to do their work.

Our referee, Clyde, a Wasps Super Vet no less, gave a great explanation of how the games should be played in terms of how and where to tackle the opposition player and to carry on even when an obvious knock on has occurred so that advantage could be played.

We played Pinner at home last season so we were aware that their squad was relatively inexperienced, but they had a few big and fast players.

The first half kicked off at 11:10 following the protocol provided by the ref , which included checking studs and talking about the values of the game and how to go out there and compete hard in a friendly and fair environment.

On returning the ball from the kick-off, we faced very solid opposition. However, some quick ball to the left wing resulted in a flying run down the side-lines to out pace his opposite number and to come away with a beautiful opening try. A feat that was going to be repeated another four times over the course of the match.

This set the tempo for much of the game in attack with quick ball from half back to the fly half to the inside centre with his cutting and straightening to get him through the defence, our outside centre with quick hands at pace to the wings in space who had to work hard and beat multiple defenders, with our fullback having safe hands under the ball and returning up the field with interest each time it was kicked to him.

This was a joy to watch for coaches and parents alike with beautiful flowing rugby!

The forwards working in Pods did the hard work in the scrums and around the field in the rucks to win the ball or stop the attack. Our stronger players in the pack used their strength to wrestle the ball away from the Pinner forwards.

After 25 mins the whistle was blown and we went into the break ahead with one of our players injured we had some interesting position swaps to give everyone a decent run in their desired position.

We started strongly again and quickly found space for our wings to start cashing in one of several tries, one coming from the half back showing great awareness picking and going on the blind, before the ref said the wing could no longer score but could pass to a supporting player to dot down.

Wasps did exceptionally well in defence in stopping a try in the corner by forcing the maul over the side-line in the corner and holding one of their strongest players up over the line.

Overall a fantastic display of rugby even if against a team that were physically bigger in some areas but playing their first game together.

We came away with a convincing win, an amazing result for our boys, a source of happiness for our parents and of course pride for the coaches.

This was followed by the two teams clapping each other off the pitch in a true mark of respect.

Then to hot dogs and drinks in the Pinner clubhouse. All players were meant to wear trousers and shirts, we had a 40% success rate in terms of attire. Something we will need to improve on. Please factor in another 30mins post the matches for the formalities.

Magnus was awarded player of the match by the other team for his incredible evasive runs, tenacity in the breakdown and flowing blond locks ?.

Key points from the game.
1. Work together in attack and defence to secure ball at the rucks.
2. Hold your depth and width to run onto the ball at pace and in space.
3. Safe hands and no knock-ons in the second half is a credit to everyone in the team.

Regards
Chris, Danny and Alex