Under 12s go from strength to strength at Bromley and Blackheath Festivals
The Blues were imposing at Bromley, winning the Cup with five wins on the bounce. Having beaten Medway, Sidcup, Beckenham and Warlingham in the Group stages with at times outstanding continuity combining with an expansive passing game, the Final versus Beccehamians was the toughest encounter of the day. Oaks ran out 5-1 winners.
At Blackheath Festival the Golds demonstrated the kind of character against very tough opponents that exemplifies the competitive spirit across this exceptional squad. The lads gradually built in teamwork and tenacity through the day. Having started slowly out the blocks versus Edenbridge with a 2-0 defeat, the next match against Essex champions Wanstead showed better shape and pressing, though unfortunately resulted in an incredibly close 0-1 loss. Momentum was established, however, and the promise shown duly delivered in the next match as Oaks won 2-1 against Old Midwhitgiftians, setting up a tense 1-1 draw in the final match of the day, an entertaining end-to-end encounter with Old Elthamians.
At the Paddock, the lads enjoyed a great session that built from touch rugby into contact games, with Oaks 1st XV centre Shayden Osgood pointing out the importance of leading with your shoulder in the tackle and in attack, "carrying the ball strong" particularly from the re-start.
SQUADS: Blues: Archie Heslop, Ben McClinton, Ben Harvey, Dom Stangroome, Elliot Wright, Felix Crispin, Harry French, Henry Thompson, Ivan Solomakhin, Johnnie Fitzmaurice, Louis Bouverie, Ollie Langley, Oliver Bartlett, Ruben Le Roux, Sam Kemp and Sam Vick. Golds: Dan Record, Dewi Robinson, Freddie McGahan, Harry Corsini, Harvey Galloway,, Isaac Dodd, Jake Seaman, James Kerton, Jimmy Mayes, Juan Barnard, Ollie Caradas, Patrick Staunton, Quinn Taylor, Toby Goodman, William Clarke and Zac Schaeffer.