by Julia Wallace

In the first mini rugby festival of this season at Woodford Rugby Club teams from Hertford, Romford and Ilford rugby clubs came to town.

Mini Rugby chairman Jeff Tidmarsh welcomed the visitors. he said: “Woodford want a stern rugby challenge in their games and Hertford are one of the strongest clubs around, running several squads at most age groups”.

With over 300 children of all ages enjoying rugby, the festival was a great success.

Woodford Under 7’s fielded two teams against Hertford’s three. Both teams ran the ball at every opportunity with tries galore but the better drilled Hertford teams shaded the results. Woodford Reds lost 20 – 35, 25-30 and 15 – 30 to Hertford whilst Woodford Blues did better losing 20 – 40 but then restoring some pride with well earned 20 – 15 and 45-30 victories.

Woodford Under 10’s played three teams from Hertford and the results reflected the strength in depth of the opposition. In the first game Hertford controlled the play and ran out 0 – 30 winners. The second game was much closer with Chris Brown scoring for Woodford but it was not enough to match the two tries of Hertford 5 -10. In the third game Woodford rallied well and by half time were leading 10-5. In the second half Woodford totally dominated running in a further four tries to win 30 – 5. Scorers Thomas Kelsey, Henry McGuire-Cox (2), Ben Williams, Chris Brown and Cameron Coote.

Woodford Under 11’s started the first game slowly and were duly punished with a try by their well drilled opposition.

Although Woodford never really played their best they held Hertford at bay with a strong defence. A slip gave Hertford an interception try.

Woodford upped their game but it was too little too late as Hertford held firm to record a 0-10 win. In the second game Woodford took no prisoners as they dominated from the start. Tries could come from anywhere as clean possession sent Hugo Atkinson over for two, Dan Farrelly and Tom Mead for one each.

The second half was no let up as Dan ran in another and Ben Dyson rounding off one as well, 30 – 0. In the final game Woodford played Romford.

Both teams tackled strongly and although dominant in the set piece Woodford had to wait to find a way through. When they came the breaks were finished off by Dan Farrelly and Rhys Phillips. Romford pressed hard in the second half but Woodford held firm.

Woodford came close several times but were unable to add to the score. With the last play of the game Romford forced their way over for a deserved try, 10 -5 to Woodford.

Woodford Under 12’s played well against Hertford using power up front and skills in the backs. In a close game Woodford always had their nose in front and ran in two tries, one for Christian Glen and one for Alex Meads, who also converted both giving a deserved 14-0 win.

In their second game Woodford dominated Ilford Wanderers resulting in a comfortable win with tries for Cameron Bliss (2), Freddie Hatton and Jordon Stack, three of which Alex Meads converted, 26-0.

After a morning filled with the cries of kids enjoying sport Jeff Tidmarsh summed it all up, saying: "It's great to see youngsters playing sport, having fun and being encouraged to uphold the values of sport by the adults watching."

If anyone would like to see what rugby can offer please feel free to come down to Woodford RFC on Sunday at 10:00 when there will be a general training session for kids 6 – 12 years old.