U12's last Evesham Mini Festival

It was the Evesham Festival on Sunday, a title to defend on a cold but sunny morning, squad assembled and warmed up and an exciting day in prospect as our 3 games were against unfamiliar opposition – Stratford (in marvellous Batman rugby shirts much admired by the Evesham lads), Cheltenham North, and Old Pats. Big lads from big clubs who know how to play.

Evesham Squad: JSD, Cake, Smiffy, Bretty, BTM, Rhino (welcome back), Overalls, Rocky, Maximus, Mighty, Serge (who’s nickname in France was Minimoys, google reveals this to be a French animated pixi/goblin cross), Slippery, Hagrid, Hoaresome, Slate, Doobs, Swing-Lowe, Carpet-Wright and making a very welcome return Jack-Russell.

As always with festival reporting there is too much rugby across 3 heats and a final to document every pass and tackle, most of you won’t have read this far as it is, so one moves into observational comments that set the scene and tone of the day. We are also moving away from naming the try scorers in an attempt to foster the whole team ethos to move the ball for a team try rather than the ‘I must score at all costs….oops lost the ball’ of old. Hope you don’t mind, tough if you do. ‘As one, or not at all’ and all that.

Heat 1: Evesham v Stratford Final score 4:1
Heat 2: Evesham v Old Pats Final Score 8:0
Heat 3: Evesham v Cheltenham North 5:0

Such a solid performance (17 for and 1 against) could only mean one thing – qualification to the Cup final which was revealed to be a re-run of heat 1 against Shakespears’ Batmen.

Thankfully we were treated to more of the same, pleasing to see that the lads did not tail off as the day went on as they have in the past, good game by both sides that went to Evesham in the end which reflected the possession stats. Thanks to Stratford for their part in a very enjoyable final to watch.

Cup Final: Evesham 5 : Stratford 1

The lads ALL played extremely well, the most enjoyable aspect was that it was a real team performance with creative support lines, forwards securing the ball at just about every breakdown and no chinks in the defensive line in the middle or at the edges. The couple of drills before the game, separated by forwards and backs then brought together so the lads knew what was going to happen and where to be (instead of the usual surprise for everyone including the coaches and ball carrier himself) is something we will continue. It was all Tim’s idea, there will be another one along next season ;o)

In one of the games, he will never remember which, Serge playing on the left wing and with ball in hand hit the opposition winger like a ram-raider hits an off-license, it is no wonder the lights went out. Vague and lethargic afterwards, concussed or French and is there a difference ?, thankfully medical checks at club and later hospital confirm that he will be fine with rest. Get well soon Serge from all the lads.

Evesham’s 10 shirt has been a problem for a while, fine on the few occasions that Gazellederson is not away playing Quidditch, but a key position every week without a regular owner. Enter Rocco stage left, had a great day at 10 reading the game and distributing the ball, I believe we have filled the shirt.

The most harassed person was not our 9, or 10, or even Bov doing the subs but poor old Mo visiting the lads and had all the coaches in his ear about giving a backs coaching session or two. Fingers crossed.

Great to see Geraint with his knees out and a whistle in his hand, an impressive debut as ref and one which we will be keen to keep going so that we have Ed, 20 and G available to officiate.

In summary a fantastic day all round, the lads displayed the style of rugby we encourage at Evesham, in the spirit it should be played and some significant progress since the start of the season. Well done boys, Ed, Bov, Tim, Simon-and-off and JB could not be more proud.

Final plaudit must go to Phil Stone, comedy legend, for the comment of the day ‘that hat has really gone to your head’. Be sure to book Phil for your next Gentlemen’s Evening, Working Men’s Club or Bar Mitzvah. He also calls the Bingo.

Man of the Match: Jack Sanger-Davis for plentiful solid runs up the middle
Aimee's Award for most impressive tackle: Oliver Wycherley, he can stop em