We were drawn in a group with Tunbridge Wells, Westcliff, Braintree and our hosts Southend. Despite our best efforts to get the boys fired up for the opening game, which I can only put down to the effects of the long coach drive north, we started slowly which was ultimately to cost us a place in the Cup Final - results went as follows:

OE's v Tunbridge Wells - DREW 0-0

A tough opening game between two evenly matched sides. Our performance was not helped by our sleepy attitude and the worst passing and catching display I've ever seen from us. We had one good opportunity to score where Jacob was clean through only for the referee to blow up for a TW knock on when we could have had the benefit of the advantage - on these small things.........

OE's v Westcliff - WON 2-0

Westcliff were a big aggressive side who pushed us all the way in the first half. We spent a good deal of time defending our line with one series of 6 scrums on our own 5 metre line. Excellent defence saw us hold out and score 2 good tries in the second half once we started to pass and move the ball away from contact. Sound familiar?

OE's v Braintree - WON 4-0

Another big Essex side who liked to bash it up up front. Finally our passing game clicked into place as we moved Braintree around, recycled the ball and scored some really great tries through the wings - two for Josh and one from Oscar using all of his 8 foot reach to place the ball over the try line.

OE's v Southend - DRAW 0-0

An excellent game again between two evenly matched sides who didn't give an inch. Southend are three times Essex Champs and so we knew we were in for a tough battle, which the boys really stepped up to. This was a real ding dong battle with both teams having chances which their defences were able to close down. A very physical encounter overall but a fair result in the end.

So our fate rested on the final pool game between Southend and Tunbridge Wells, which was another excellent match. A draw would see us through to the Cup Final, but it was not to be as a late Southend try put them through and us down into the Plate Final where we were to play Sevenoaks.

OE's v Sevenoaks - WON 2-0

Our best overall performance of the day saw the forwards and backs combine to dominate the game and win with something to spare. Great to see the boys pick themselves up after the disappointment of missing the Cup Final, which says much about their strength of character and determination.

As it was Southend lost the Cup Final 2-0 to Teddington who are Middlesex Champs. A big step up overall in terms of skill and physical intensity but our boys were really up to the task and were not out of place in this 'Elite' company.

The early season Festival run is now over with the A's winning two Cup's and one Plate without yet conceding a try - pretty impressive. The B's also kept a clean sheet winning the Cranbrook B Festival and did more than hold their own at Foxbury - well done to all the boys.