Saxons scintillate at Winchester Festival

A squad of 12 Saxons travelled to Winchester for a tournament against 10 teams from across Hampshire. For some it was their first tournament, for others their frst playing for Saxons, while there were also some more experienced players in the squad. What was apparent from the start was that everyone was playing their part.

The Saxons started slowly, allowing New Milton to take the initiative and play their rugby and a it took a Ben B try to get the Saxons on the score board and reward for their effort. The match finished 3-1.

Basingstoke looked a good side with some strong runners and it was here that the Saxons defence started to wake up and get on the front foot. The match was close and competetive but Basingstoke edged us out 2-1.

Ray had refereed Havant against Jersey and warned me that we were in for a rough ride against Havant who were very physical. Indeed they did have some big (towering!) players, but our defence was now fired up - attacking the ball carrier and not giving them time to play. The two big Havant runners had to leave the field after tackles from Ben B and Louis K! Tackle technique beats bulk! The game was enthralling to watch, with great cover tackling, great breaks and support play and we held Havant to a 4-4 draw. We could have won that game, and Havant went on to the 2nd place play-off.

Our old friends Jersey were next and when they scored two early tries I thought we might be unmatched against them, but no! We tackled them backwards, stopped them playing and won the second half 2-0, so the game ended a 2-2 draw. It was amazing. One point in the match emphasised the spirit, determination and commitment of the Saxons: a talented, strong Jeresy player had made another break of our line and was charging to the line unopposed and deciding where to score his swallow dive try.... but he was not alone. Harriet M had chased him down and was harassing him to the extent he attempted to hand her off and he was penalised a yard from the try line! A try saving tackle!

We were drawn in the 4th place play offs and faced Winchester and started well, but I think fatigue set in and we finished 3-1.

I was very pleased and proud of the Saxons today. You worked well as a team and found most success when adopting your attacking defence and getting to the ball carrier. Your handling was good, very few knock ons or forward passes, we protected the ball well in the tackle and I think I saw some rucking (clearing out) in the later games. We saw lots of great cover tackles, Ben B, Jamie S, Matthew C Max F to mention a few and Conor L giving hard chase to a Winchester racing snake on his way to scoring a try.

And that is my point about today, you worked as a team and committed everything. We dont have (and dont need) a team of players who can all run 40 yds and score a try. What we need (and what we have) is a team of players who can take responsibility for the ball: take possession of it when it is loose, take it from the opponents when they are careless with it, look after it when you have it and take it forward a few yards before offloading to those who can run 40 yds and score the try. You did that today and you have much to be pleased about.

Ben D was team Captain and lead his team well, lifting his team with some great runs and he scored a great try. Jamie S was everywhere on the field, providing that continuity of play in attack and defence and scored 2 great tries, well done. Ben B showed his experience and was instrumental in galvanising the Saxons in attack and defence. He scored three great tries and, as his Dad spotted, was very technical in protecting the ball from the cover tackle - Try of the Week - well done Ben.

Our game of rugby is all about running and passing, evading tackles, cutting into defences and exploiting space. Today, Louis K hipnotised the defence with his quick feet, balance, poise and change of pace. We have lots of runners who take the long route round the outside of defenders, but Louis danced through the middle of them, time and again. It was special. He scored three tries as well, worked with Ben B to galvanise the attacking defence and was deserved Player of the Week.

Elly could not be there today, but the Celebration chocolates she sent were well earned and she was so pleased to hear you played well and enjoyed it. Thank you to the parents for setting up and packing up the Saxon Camp. It was a lovely festival and we look forward to many more.

Saxon commitment was again demonstrated by the attendance at training at Gosport Park for those not at Winchester. It is clear that the whole available Saxon team was on the field on Sunday - I am so pleased. I hear that you enjoyed the games, drills and match. Thank you to Chats,Matt and Jon for running the session.

You Saxons are committed to the game, to each other and to the team,

Thank you