Today the lads played their biggest fixture to date and despite the war cries and call to arms we only managed to muster 13 players - one team with a rolling sub!

Our first game was against Matson and I think it’s fair to say that our ‘light’ team played into the hands of a far bigger and more physical team. Route one suited Matson and there was little the BP boys could do to stop the onslaught. Out scrummed, out rucked and out mauled. What little possession we had in the first half we gifted back to Matson with totally aimless runs into contact with the ball being turned over time after time.

At some point in the game the penny dropped and the lads started playing to their strengths and put some fantastic passages of play together. Unfortunately it was too little too late.

Game 2 against Cirencester and our compact pack worked out how to the get the better of the big boys. They got tight ‘n’ low and caused the opposition no end of problems. Our down fall in this game was at the breakdown (i.e. when the attack has failed –our attack broke down, conked out, ran out of options). We gave Cirencester the opportunity to boss the play and enforce their game on the lads.

Game 3 was against the might of Cheltenham, run of play went with the Tigers in the early exchanges with the Tigers crashing over. Then another penny dropped – play open, play fast, keep it alive, pass it on, fix and give, pop of the ground, off load out of the tackle, run it back….within no time Cheltenham were on the ropes and their coaches were getting hoarse!. They were saved by the bell.

Ted LG, Ben & Shay you were awesome in the front row and it was fantastic to see you guys work it out and get the better of far bigger opposition, great contribution in open play – chuffed to bits.

Sashen & Jon – without a doubt the smallest second row pairing in the tournament but you would struggle to find bigger hearts and more desire – very, very proud.

Leon, Stefan & Harvey, I doubt there was another team today who are given the freedom to mix and match 9, 10 & 12 as you guys see fit – worked well together and supported each other from start to finish – happy days Boggis, Bunce & Beans.

Shay, Sam, Joe H, Alfie & Ted B great work and team play from all of you. Sam and Ted a big thank-you for playing your parts in the forward effort. Joe H I know you like the wing so a big thank-you for stepping in field and shoring up the defence. Alfie & Shay – ball in hand it’s the way forward, well done lads.

The only disappointment was the over use of the whistle. I was always taught that the biggest killer of fun, tempo & development was the whistle and that being over officious in mini rugby is far from being the way forward. Our ref was fair and treated all teams equally and with respect, he managed the affairs well and helped the kids out, loads of respect and a big thank-you, only problem is, it was dull at best – and the boys said so.

I’m not one to question and challenge during game time; I really don’t think it helps the boys out, but I was more than happy to voice my concerns with the organisers. Here is what I was told “well last year it all kicked off with coaches and parents questioning decisions. We were told by the coaches that it meant a lot to the boys competing so we got some ref’s in”

I’ve got my ref’s badge and have made some bloody awful calls, but I honestly believe that every game I have refereed ended with the team that deserved to win winning. And of all the games I have watched over the last 5 years I reckon we have only ever been properly robed once.

So a prime example of adult value’s p***ing on youth sport – that’s why from U10s and below we now have festivals – KIDS FIRST RUGBY.

Let’s hope that Super Saturday also helps change the way we (a big club collective) coach - play open, play fast, keep it alive, pass it on, fix and give, rip, pop of the ground, off load out of the tackle, run it back….. No more "I watched Wales and they smash into to people all day - that's rugby isn't it?"

Not sure on the scores, neither were the boys – best guestimate is Matson (3-1), Cirencester (2-1?) and Cheltenham (2-1).

Thanks parents for making the trip. Playing in this Tournament was the only specific team goal set this year and you all made it possible.