Welcome to the Newest Team in Hampshire - "The Celtic Trojans"

When the opportunity came to join forces with Trojans RFC U15s to form a Barbarians team to compete in the Hampshire Division 4, we jumped at the chance! What a great way to offer more boys the opportunity to play more rugby. With the decision being signed off by Hants RFU in early September, there was not long to prepare. Trojans brought their boys down to Gosport Park for a training session the week before the first match; away to Vectis RFC who are known to be a small but strong squad. Would The Celtic Trojans be up for the challenge??
The parents got the players to the ground in time for a quick warm up and briefing before trying out the new positions and taking a look at how the new team looked for their first game. The boys were nervous but ready!...or were they?

The game did not get off to the best start with Vectis scoring twice in the first five minutes one of which was a breakaway try. After that it was end to end with a few opportunities to score missed by The Celtic Trojans. Eventually, The Celtic Trojans got their reward for persistence and hard work. Two tries scored before half time with a conversion from Samuel Beeching. Vectis continued to be dangerous on the breaks and managed to secure a bonus point try before the break. HT 22-12

Niall Moss was very vocal, giving instructions to his new teammates, trying to get The Celtic Trojans back into the game. And they did! A blinding debut try from Haydn Spratt diving over from 3m after a powerful drive to the line with Vectis defenders dragging along behind. Well done!! Noah Gridley and Rhys Jones put in strong performances out wide keeping the Vectis score down in the second half. Vectis are a big strong side and they play a hard game.

The second half was more even once The Celtic Trojans found their feet - they even won the second half 10-12 but the damage had been done in the first half. A valiant effort for a side who had only had one training session together. They came together, away from home and scored four tries of their own, giving them their first league point of 2021/22. The after match tea was well received and a lot of banter ensued. A great atmosphere.

Congratulations to all the boys, the coaches and parents who managed to get them all over to the island for the game - great teamwork! These are the makings of a fine side and we wish them all the success for their next game vs Bognor RFC (away) on Sunday 10th October - GOOD LUCK!!