Westoe away and it was the first match of the season and the our first run with the new U12’s laws. 12 a side, 5 man scrums and unlimited numbers in the rucks and mauls. The more forwards inclined lads were very excited!

It was the best start for Bishop, with an early try conceded. Our defence was solid and we competed well at the breakdown. The rewards was four or five turnovers, but a bit of inexperience led to possession being kicked away. Whilst the play through the first half of the match was competitive, Westoe ran in a second breakaway try and really put the pressure on.

It was a credit to the boys that their heads didn’t go down at this point. Westoe were an aggressive team but with the help of some outstanding leadership from Matty we were able to match them. With about 10 mins to go we finally scored our first try of the season, a fantastic team effort finished off by Leo. Full of determination the team played hard right to the final minute scoring an equalising try from a scrum. Hodsy made a run from scrum half and the forwards following up, with Con getting it over the line for the last play of the game.

It was an amazing team performance, though we’ve a few tweaks to make and areas to work on, but if we play the rest of the season like we ended that match, it’s going to be a great season. Everyone one who played on the day deserved a Man of the match, but the coaches decided that this week Matty, forwards captain, deserved the honours for his mature and committed leadership, truly leading his team.