Author: Mike Ribton (Louis Dad)

U7s Wimbledon Bs Festival Sunday 11th October

Squad: Sam, Ben, Olivia, Milton, Elliot, Josh, Felix, Sean, Louis, Ralph, Joshua.

With a focus very much on competition and enjoyment Sunday witnessed the first home festival of the season.

Drilled to perfection by our dedicated and qualified coaches the team got off to a flyer against a bewildered Old Reigatians side in the first match. Open space was the order of the day. The referee’s pencil was worn to a stub from writing Milton’s name so often: he scored at least 5 tries and was the highest try scorer overall in the tournament for Wimbledon. Some sophisticated handling and running skills were in evidence as the team dominated a one sided game. Excellent tagging by Elliot and Josh supported the team well in defence.

Rosslyn Park was a stiffer test and Wimbledon narrowly lost a closely fought battle. Both Ralph and Joshua showed commendable skill and technique when running with the ball at the opposition. Olivia ripped several tags and ably disrupted the flow of the Rosslyn’s game. Felix ran back well and was highly organised in the defensive line.

Teddington and Kings followed; both games lost but plenty of good signs for the rest of the season. Louis scored a couple of tries and always looked determined. Sam ran and passed with aplomb. Sean provided great support play when attacking the opposition and was always available for a pass. Ben passed and caught very well. Indeed a feature of the team was the passing, support running and defensive commitment: when all three came together Wimbledon Bs looked formidable.

Much to celebrate then, the team looking increasingly more purposeful and organised throughout the tournament. Some of the tries were of the highest quality and the team revelled in the tournament atmosphere.

Keeping winning and losing in perspective, our young players hit the hot dog stall shortly after the final whistle and reflected on a successful morning’s play, their mouths fountains of oozing red , not fake blood capsules but Happy Shopper Ketchup. Well done one and all.

Mike Ribton