U12s enjoy the sweet taste of success

A squad of 16 Harrogate U12s travelled to Sandal on Sunday with high expectations, having enjoyed success at the Festival two years ago, but with a few nerves as they knew they would meet tough opposition, including their nemesis, Sandal!

The U12s play a waterfall format with three 10 minute games before a Cup, Shield, Bowl or Plate final depending on their results. A couple of injuries early in the first game had nerves a jangling, but the boys bounced back. A 2:0 win was followed by two 1:1 draws - the first against Sandal. The boys quickly learned the importance of being fast out of the blocks as a draw becomes a win for the team that scores first. This set us up for the final against arch local rivals, Wetherby. The boys stood firm, keeping a fantastic defensive line that Wetherby just couldn't break through. Superb passing down the line saw Harrogate run in 5 tries.

It was wonderful to hear a Sandal spectator comment during the final on how well drilled the boys were. A credit to their coaches.

The boys also contributed to the two BaaBaas teams that were competing, ensuring everyone got plenty of game time.

Special mentions must go to Luca Cotton who ran in a series of spectacular tries, and to Jonny Scott whose performance in the final had him named man or the match by the Sandal 1st XV captain during the presentation.

It's not just about the try scorers though. There were spectacular passing sequences to set us these tries and some very solid defense that just shut the opposition out. Go Gate!