This weekend a number of our Spartans U8s travelled to the Barkers Butts RFC festival in Coventry, for a morning of fun competitive rugby. The team (consisting of Bob, Harry H, Harry P and Imogen, plus players borrowed from Barkers to make up numbers) faced a packed schedule of matches against Uttoxeter, Silhillians, Coalville, Old Saltleians, Berkswell & Balsall, and Long Buckby – and they did fantastically! They showed great energy & commitment throughout and were well drilled in defence, which prompted a compliment from the Silhillians coach.

Bob, making his debut for Spartans, worked hard in defence throughout and made a number of important tags. He appeared to grow in confidence with each game, and should be proud of his first performance.

Harry H was a tagging machine, being consistently quick out of the defensive line to cause the opposition no end of trouble. It was particularly great to see his leadership qualities when organising the defence at restarts.

Harry P was always a willing support runner in attack as well as making some great breaks of his own, and tracked back well to help in defence with some crucial tags.

Imogen offered a continual threat in attack with her pace, footwork, and ability to find a gap in the opposition’s defence - which also helped to relieve pressure on the team when the tag count was climbing.

A huge thank you goes to Barkers for such a well organised festival again, and for their sportsmanship in lending us a couple of players for each game - each of which also deserve praise for their performances, especially playing for an unfamiliar team. Thanks also to the parents that travelled to be there. We couldn’t do it without you!