It was a slow start against a very well drilled and disciplined Aylesbury side who proved tough opponents and left us searching for answers. Our next games against Grasshoppers and Ealing, if we are honest, were not at the standard we expect. Too much lost ball, rushed or unnecessary passes, dropped catches and some light tackling meant we just could not get any real momentum.

At that point we asked the boys to take a moment together and think about how they wanted to show up for the rest of the tournament and sort it out amongst themselves.
That conversation clearly had an impact. We moved into the Plate competition against Hampstead’s second team and it provided the platform the boys needed. Confidence started to build and we saw a completely different performance. Plenty of tries were scored but more importantly the boys began to play as a team. Great hands, strong support lines and players really working for each other.

That set up a Plate final against Ampthill, a strong Division 1 side who beat us away earlier in the season. The coaches could not have been prouder of how the boys approached it. They dug in, played with real intensity not seen this season and passion and left everything out on the pitch. There were exciting breaks, lovely passing and some excellent defensive work. It was a fantastic game of rugby and a brilliant win.

It felt like a real moment for the group and a huge turnaround across the morning.

The boys should be proud of the way they responded and the team spirit they showed. A proper comeback and a great example of what they can achieve when they play for each other.