Wanstead juniors took to the field as the Under-8s, Under-9s and Under-10s played out triangular tournaments against Cheshunt and Eton Manor.

Eton Manor 0-15 Wanstead Under-10s

The Under-10s were first up in this mini tournament against local rivals Eton Manor.  

The entire first half was played in Manors half but the only breakthrough came as the ball was recycled and shipped out wide for Brandon Smith to dive over the line.

The second half was to see much of the same, with Wanstead centre trio of Louis Freeman, Harry Turner and Sam Castle powering forward at every occasion and stifling Eton Manors attacks with fine tackling.

The scrum and lineout held firm and Louis Freeman and Sam Castle finished up the scoring.

Cheshunt 10-10 Wanstead Under-10s 

Our hosts were fortunate enough to have a squad with two teams and the first match against Cheshunt was a dour affair.

The muddy ball made handling tough and knock ons meant numerous scrums.

Evelyn Weeden, John Ryan at hooker and Louis chapman held firm until, after repeated scrums there was a collapse and Ryan had to go off.

Dylan McGovern stepped in and from the drive the scrum was turned over and Harry Turner raced from the half way line to score before half time.

The first play of the second half saw Cheshunt draw level with a flowing passing move.

Wanstead put together a fine drive with Harry Turner breaking away only to be thwarted on the line and Louis Freeman picked up and dived over to score.

This was not to be enough for the win as late on Cheshunt again broke away to equalise. 

Cheshunt 10–15 Wanstead Under-10s

The second Cheshunt side were larger and more physical, and with only a few minutes rest after their last game the Under 10’s seemed to be reeling from those efforts.

Cheshunt scored from the off but two rapid passing moves saw Brandon Smith and Louis Freeman give Wanstead the lead and it stayed that way until the last minute of a bruising encounter.

The whole team fought valiantly and defended under great pressure from our hosts only to be broken, with a minute to play, by some fine Cheshunt wing play.

Wanstead might have taken the draw but a break from Brandon Smith pushed the Herons into the Cheshunt half, and the whole team pushed forward.

Sam Castle took the ball in again, followed by Louis Freeman. With pressure being placed by Evelyn Weedon and the rest of the forwards Cheshunt were desperately defending this drive, and were sucked in.

Teddy Gipson retrieved the ball sending it out to John Ryan, who in turn found Harry Turner in space. He finished the move off with a determined run and full length drive to score a try to win.

Team: Harry Turner; Sam Castle; Louis Freeman; Evelyn Weedon; Louis Chapman; Dylan McGovern; Sidney Robinson; Cameron Richards; Brandon Smith; Teddy Gipson; John Ryan.

Eton Manor 4-5 Wanstead Under-9s

The fist game of the day saw Wanstead take on a strong Eton Manor team.

Wanstead got off to a blistering start and at half time were leading 3-1 with tries coming from JJ (two) and Joshua (one).

The turnaround with Wanstead playing uphill in the second half seemed to be the catalyst for a resurgent Eton Manor to overhaul Wanstead and eventually win by five tries to four.

JJ scored again for Wanstead.

Cheshunt 3-1 Wanstead Under-9s

It was a fairly evenly matched game to start with until two quick tries saw Cheshunt take a 2-0 half time lead.
Wanstead pulled a try back through JJ early on in the second half, but missed tackles cost them dear.

Cheshunt Two 1-2 Wanstead Under-9s

Wanstead looked strong and purposeful against Cheshunt Two.

Our first try came from JJ following excellent support play from Alex, who is often the smallest player on the pitch, makes up for his diminutive stature with tigerish tackling and a never say die attitude.

Powerhouse Reece scored the second try and all was set up for a thrilling conclusion to the match. Cheshunt pulled back a try but Wanstead held on for the win.

Eton Manor 2-2 Wanstead Under-9s

Two evenly matched teams that seemed to relish the tackle managed to pull of a 2-2 draw. Wanstead's triescame from JJ and Joshua.

Team: Louis, JJ, Joshua, Joseph, Kayleigh, Reece, Daniel, Giuseppe, Jake and Alex.

Cheshunt 4-8 Wanstead Under-8s

Playing the six-tag then turnover rule Wanstead very rarely gave Cheshunt a chance to take control of the game as they won 8-4.

Reece scored the first try, followed by two from PJ, two from Jamie and three from Jasper. 

Eton Manor 2-7 Wanstead Under-8s

Jamie kicked off with the first try with Jasper grabbing two, PJ with one and Reece having a cracking game with three.

Jeffrey, Joseph and Simon supported the team well with some breathtaking tagging.

Cheshunt (B) 4-9 Wanstead Under-8s

Strong passing and impressive tagging saw Jamie score four tries, with Jasper also scoring four and PJ notching one.

Reece, Jeffrey, Joseph, Simon and Frankie played brilliantly. 

Team: Joseph Connole, Jasper McNally-Drew, Jamie Moran, Jeffrey Rogers, Simon Gashi, Reece Sangha, Frankie Fitzpatrick, Patrick-Joseph Pruce