A victorious trip to Petersfield

A perfect day for playing rugby at the round robin tournament at Petersfield this morning. Celts were represented by 2 mixed teams in a tournament where they faced opposition from
Petersfield
Portsmouth
Havant
Midhurst

The first game saw our "Team A" play Petersfield A which was highly contested with little between them - the most exciting part of the game came when a stray pass from Celts on the opposition try line led to a Petersfield break away with Henry Shaw tracking all the way back to make a last ditch tackle on his own try line to put Celts back on the attack. Superb commitment! Henry Shaw then jinked his way through the defence to score in the corner to open the scoring. Petersfield pulled one back immediately with a bursting, powerful drive from the restart. Celts caught cold....something to work on. Henry Moran then showed his best tackling we've seen to hold out for the draw. Final score 1-1 but a very promising start against a good team.

"Team B"s first game was against a large side from Midhurst which saw some very technical set plays at each restart but the Celts were not phased by it. Jack Weeks executed the "Ruck of the day" to secure the ball for Oliver Smith to cross over in the corner. A clash of heads brought the first half to an early end but Jack Weeks and Charlie McLaughlin were ok thankfully. It looked like a very well drilled Midhurst were going to power back into the second half but our defence was resolute and Celts were tough to break down. In the end it took a very good individual run from a Midhurst player to score in the corner. The Celts did not let it get them down and three second half tries from Harrison Bennett, Charlie Fisher and Oliver Smith saw the game out 4-1. Another great start after a very physical encounter.

Next up for Team A was Havant who had some big strong ball carriers for the Celts to deal with. It put our mauling to the test but the Celts were up for the challenge; in fact it suited our game as tries from William Breeze (3), William May, Henry Shaw and Jake Hoare ensured a comfortable 6-0 victory. More confident tackling from Henry Moran, George Popplewell and Thomas Dobson saw an impenetrable defence. Great attacking support play from William Breeze as Jake Hoare ran the length of the pitch to score the final try with the crowd lapping it up!

Team B fought out a hard earned 3-3 draw against Petersfield B with tries from Harrison Bennett (2) and Oliver Smith before turning straight around to play Havant in their final match which they unfortunately lost 0-1.

Team A also had an immediate turn around to play their final match against Portsmouth which was a scrappy affair with an inexperienced referee who had a difficult job to do. Lots of physicality at the breakdown saw the real strength of Jake Hoare, Samuel Willsteed and Thomas Dobson keep us competitive. Try of the day was scored after William May broke through running a nice direct line but realising he was hunted down by the Portsmouth defenders off loaded the ball to Morgan Clayton to cross over for his first of the day - great support, great teamwork!! Charlie Noble added another to round off an excellent 2-1 victory and a great day.

Team A - DWW
Team B - WDL

Well done Celts, you have done the coaching staff and your parents proud today - we hope you all enjoyed it.

Thank you to Solent Fire Protection Services for sponsoring us.

Thanks to everyone for helping with scoring, putting the tent away but most importantly your support. Thanks to Billy and Victoria as always.

One squad will be going to New Milton festival next week but there will be training at home for everyone else. Please indicate your availability ASAP on Pitchero or via email to Cait or Victoria.

Great stuff today guys, see you next week!

Monty