The U10's were able to field two teams and it was agreed by all coaches from all teams to play stronger and experienced players in an A team format and less experienced players in a B team. Hence all games were going to be competitive.

Games 1 started in true Harrow U10 style slow, missed tackles, not competing in the ruck, missed passes, and people out of position (we'll be working on this in the coming weeks)!

It took time in to the first half for the players in both the A & B teams to wake up and start to claw there way back in to the games. Some hard knocks taken by players also served as a wake-up call and started to get the players working better as a team.

Second half performances were by all accounts much better - coming from behind to draw level. Every aspect of the game improved immensely. From what Kevin reoprted with Team A, the full time whistle came just in time for our opponents as they were clinging on by there finger nails!

During the break the coaches worked on some rucking and tackling drills to better prepare the players for the following game

The second games started much better and a fantastic effort from all players saw Harrow win by a 1 try margin. The tackling and rucking was ferocious from both teams and needed to be as some huge hits we're going in. Both Harrow teams faced up to the challenge excellently.

Unfortunately due to time restrictions we only played 2 games each.
All in all the run out was very good for the players.

Karlene said that she saw fantastic teamwork with some really line discipline and passing of the ball and showed the real potential the teams have to go even further.
They were hungry for some more games because it was such fun and they played so well together.

The start of the game is obviously an area we will need to work on and they were a little hesitant around the ruck area, but it's very early days for most of them, so not yet instinctive for the first man at the breakdown, but that will come. The main thing was that when they did arrive they got stuck in.

There were many, many good points which include:
Much better tackling even tackling in 2's and 3's where required.
Hard competitive rucking.
Game awareness knowing who's free and space on the pitch.
Big improvement in tackling (we will concentrate more in training).
Most of all the team work and discipline was of the highest standard.

Kevin finished his report to me by stating that ........"the teams should be very proud of there performances on Sunday. I definitely was.
If this hard work is kept up we will have a successful season".

Thank you all for traveling to Barnet and encouraging the team!
I must pass on my thanks again to Kevin and Michael (for stepping in in my absence!) for coaching them so well on the day, as well as Karlene managing them all!

Matt