The absence of a number of Year 5 players meant that the U10 competition we entered was largely made of U9 players. Unlike other teams, the squad only had 7 players and therefore did not have the opportunity to make substitutions or rest players. Despite this, the team played 3 matches and although they were closely contested matches but they all ended in narrow defeats.

In the first match, against Wimbledon Blue, good defence and strong running meant we led 2-1 at half-time, Jaylan Ryan-Coker scoring both tries. In the second half, though, we conceded two more and were unable to score, losing 3-2. We then played Warlingham and tries from Jaylan and Eli Boateng were tied 2-2 at the break but again lost the second half to go down 4-2. In the final game, again against Wimbledon Blue, Eli scored twice to give us another 2-1 half-time lead but again, we tired in the second half and ultimately lost 4-2.

Despite the results, the games were close and could have gone either way. There were many positives to take from the matches: strong running from Tim Bracken and Jaylan, good support and link play from Job Forde, Charlie Richer and Kieran Murray, good tackling and forceful play at the breakdown from Alexander Grycuk and pace and guile from Eli. It was encouraging to see the team play as a team and to see the progress made over the year.

The two try scorers were the outstanding candidates for player of the tournament but Eli's two try-saving tackles just gave him the edge.

Squad:
Tim Bracken
Eli Boateng
Job Forde
Alex Grycuk
Kieran Murray
Jamal Ryan-Coker
Charlie Richer
SCRFC Player of the Festival – Eli Boateng