Last Sunday saw the U13s A and B teams travel to Harpenden in what was anticipated to be a tough test, following last year's competitive fixture at the A&C home festival. We were really glad that the pitches were playable and the games were on.

For the A match, both sides started well with defensive pressure forcing handling errors given the wet conditions after last week's heavy rain. Harpenden generated several turnovers through strong contesting at the ruck and were able to benefit in attack, scoring an early try. A&C's defensive pressure paid dividends when a loose Harpenden pass was intercepted and run in for an equalising try. However, Harpenden were able to score another late try to just edge the first half. A&C started the second half brightly with strong kick chase from the wingers forcing defensive errors from Harpenden which unfortunately couldn't be capitalised on. Harpenden then scored a couple of quick tries off hard line running with A&C missing tackles. A&C then put together their best period of sustained attacking pressure, moving the ball from coast to coast and forcing a scrum 5m out, off which A&C were able to go over in the corner. A late consolation try but ultimately the team went down 5 tries to 2, and with lots to think about for their next fixture.

Meanwhile, for the B match, the opposition had a large squad and were well organised. The first half was a tough challenge and we struggled with some strong runners and slick handling of the opposition. However, we did manage to sneak a try right at the end of the first half, but we were 6 - 1 down at the break. The second half proved to be much closer and the boys showed great character against a strong opposition. Finally the match finished up with our boys eventually going down 9 tries to 2.

Both matches proved to be a good test for the boys and whilst there was disappointment at being on the losing end, on the plus side it was absolutely lovely to see Derek in the clubhouse for post match curry and chips! Thank you kindly Derek!

And a big thank you to all the A&C and Harpenden boys for participating in a photograph for the RFU Inside Out initiative this week for Children's Mental Health week.

Steve V & Neil B