The U-14’s annual tour took us to Hartpury University on Saturday to give the boys a taste of their world class facilities and a training session with the first team coaching staff. The boys then were guard of honour for the Championship clash of Hartpury and Bedford Blues men’s teams. A great game and enjoyable experience for all. The staff and players at Hartpury were fantastic hosts. A few of the boys were already thinking about their A level college choice!

Saturday evening in Gloucester was a fun affair with the boys bonding over dinner and an increasingly competitive darts competition with some aspiring Luke Littlers. No shortage of competitive attitude with one of the boys taking the win against all others (including coaches and parents!).

Following an early morning breakfast on Sunday , we then set for our visit to Longlevens RFC. The boys were suffering from some late night antics in the hotel the night before (and a few asking to go to a 24 hour gym when they should be going to bed…. ) and were slow out the gate against Longlevens. We eventually came up short 12-0 against an incredibly strong team. Longlevens gave the boys a taste of West Country speed defence and counter rucking rucking. The really encouraging point was our boys fronted up really well and when they wanted to they competed on even terms. Our 15 players stuck in for the game and never gave up. On another day with our full team, the boys could get a different result. Rumours are that Breege is negotiating with their management to welcome Longlevens to Parkfields next season for a rematch . One to look forward to!

Our second game was against Stroud RFC. This was a different affair and the boys hit their stride from the off and played some of their best rugby of the year. A realisation that they were deserving of a win, and still feeling the sting from the first game spurred them on. Speed, handling, counter rucking and a never say die spirit got the boys a very well deserved 14-10 win. Every player to a man did their job and gave all spectators a sense of the real potential for this team as we get ready for tougher rugby next season.

This is a great bunch of young men and as we expected did both themselves and our club proud with their behaviour and spirited play.

Thoughts are already being put to next year with rumours of France or Ireland on the cards.