Here is the match reoprt written by Richard Mardon . . . . .
11 March 2012
On the hottest day of the year so far, the Under 9’s B squad certainly produced a sparkling display of rugby at the Camberley A/B Festival and finished runners-up by some margin to the joint winners Cobham and Guildford, picking up a trophy to boot.

We played five matches in all, some 60 minutes of rugby when the temperature was knocking 20 degrees. The pace and intensity of the rugby was high (exhausting) but all players came through with flying colours. The tournament opened with a tough fixture against Chobham and it did not take too long before Billy ran through several tackles to score a great solo try. No longer can we say that Wimbledon are slow starters to festivals. We stayed one try up until the last couple of minutes of the second half, when Chobham scored an equaliser and the final whistle blown. Some of the best rugby the coaches and the spectators have seen from Wimbledon but there was more to come.
The second match was against Farnham and we totally outclassed the opposition running in four great tries (Jude, Harvey, Billy and Ross) to one against, earning us an important bonus point. The high quality rugbyfrom the first game continued through the second.

However, things changed in game 3 - perhaps the bumper box of KrispyKreme donuts and strange pink chewy sweets consumed during the interval conspired against us to affect the team’s performance. The
team was unrecognisable and went down eventually 5-1 to Guildford, with a consolation try scored by the Harvester! Guildford seemed no better than Wimbledon but we simply went missing (Guildford did end up being joint winners making us feel slightly less bad about losing!)

Then came Le Crunch! (England were to play France later but our match was way more significant). In January, we trained at Cobham and were hammered 8-0 (or more) in a practice match. How could we pick ourselves up after the defeat by Guildford? Cobham had yet to concede a try in the tournament and were clear favourites. Fear not! The boys were magnificent! A tough encounter and Cobham were bigger, more physical and more intense (and that’s just the coaches!). At one point it was looking a little grim because despite some great rugby we were 4-0 down but after an inspired half time team talk and some extra rocket fuel in the Try Harvester’s boots, we (he) pulled two tries back to win the second half. The best match of rugby we have witnessed despite losing. Not a dry eye among spectators and coaches alike.

So we came to the final match, with the tournament already decided with Cobham/Guildford jointwinners. We had to win - and to make certain of 3rd place - gain a four try bonus point. What is more we
were playing the hosts, Camberley, who had a point to prove. It was never in doubt and it was great to see some highly technical rucking, passing and support play across the whole team which resulted in total
domination of the opposition. It also resulted in Harvey picking up another five tries (yes five!) and this was despite his request to be rested for the match following injury/tiredness. I think the coaches may be forgiven for ignoring his pleas! (His Dad has!) Sachin also got on the score sheet and we won 6-1.

A great tournament and proof that all the hard work (and boring drills!) on Sunday mornings were/are worth it. We still have some more work to do (of course), especially on (1) tackling in open play (most of our tries conceded were breakaways in open play); (2) running more at full pace; and (3) more aggression/intensity but truly a great effort by the squad – they are a pleasure to coach!

Thanks to all parents and supporters who followed the code of conduct better than most and added to theoverall enjoyment (can someone bring some sun cream next time?)
Tournament Stats:
Played 5, Won 2, Drew 1, Lost 2. Tries For: 14 (Harvey 9, Billy 2, Jude, Ross and Sachin1 each) and tries against: 12
Squad:
Freddie, Elliot, Clement, Hideto, Jude, Sachin, Hugh, Billy, Charlie C., Harvey, Jeremy and Ross.

(Please email Steve for Link to photos from the festival)