We woke up on Sunday to a crisp Winter's morn, but we were assured that it was ok as THE SNOW WAS ON TOP OF THE GRASS!!!! After breakfast we headed off to Sandbach RUFC for the day's festivities. On arrival it became apparent that we were in for another tough day due to the size of the opposition. P5's were once again in the 2 teams to play Sandbach who had split into an "A" and "B" team. Castle were first up against the "A" side and were losing comprehensively 5-0 at half time by a larger and more physical side who were far more accustomed to the art of ripping the ball. The coaches regrouped at half time and emphasised the need to use our pace and handling skills. Some great play by Castle ensured that we were on the up and narrowly lost the second half 2-1 with our heads held high. Monument built on the lessons learnt from the Saturday games with strong straight line defence and consistent tackling to win 6-0 against the Sandbach P5 'B' squad. The results were reversed in the 2nd set of games with Monument going down 6-0 to the Sandbach A team and Castle coming through 6-1 against the B squad.
In P6 Sandbach played a strong team against our Castle squad. We took a while to get moving and gave Sandbach too many opportunities in the first half and were left with a considerable deficit to make up. The second half was better but we were unable to find the form we had shown throughout the season. The same Sandbach team then played against Monument with the County kids starting strongly and taking an early lead. Sandbach struck back and despite some heroic tackling a late score meant the game finished 3-1 to the home team.
The P7s gasped when they saw the size of the Sandbach team - yet more examples of multigrow being fed to the locals around here. Castle played first and despite playing hard and up the hill, lost the first half 0-2. However, following an inspirational team talk at half time they improved their performance to achieve a 0-0 draw in the second half. They didn't lose their composure during the game and gave it their all. Monument then went on and created many opportunities but failed to capitalise. They were camped on the Sandbach line for much of the first half but ended losing to 2 break away tries. The second half was similar to Castle in that they achieved an excellent draw. Throughout both games, the tackling from County was outstanding.
We then put out a mixed team as a finale to the Tour. Some more huge tackles were made and the scrum held out against a much larger pack. With some quick ball being provided to the line, we took the lead 1-0 much to the visting parents and coaches delight. 1-0 at half time. The second half started well with County pressing the Sandbach line. We took an opportunity for a quick drive from the base of a ruck and made valuable yards. Another concerted effort saw our Tour Hero (Keith) score a magnificent forwards try. With a spring in their step, we dropped our guard and Sandbach scored a try from a set of rolling mauls. Two minutes to go and County moved up field through the resilience and drive of the forwards. A textbook example of backs play - quick ball, spinning out into the hands of Billy Whizz cemented the victory 3-1. The ref finished the game after a dangerous tackle to a County player - however the win and adrenaline worked fine and he was on his feet quickly - a marvellous black eye on it's way.
Thanks very much to all of the parents who have followed us over the weekend and stood on the touchlines - it was exceptionally cold today in the wind and their support certainly helped all of the teams on the pitches.
Kids are in bed now following a lengthy Tour Court - some pictures will be available during the Zoo visit tomorrow.
