The final match of the season arrived and, with it, some welcome sunshine to match the mood around the squad. Spirits were high with the exciting and welcome return of Daniel meaning the team could make use of substitutions and keep energy levels high throughout as they sought to end the season with a win. Katherine and Dan led an enthusiastic warm up where the players looked sharp, focused and ready. From the outset, the signs were very encouraging.

It has been a season of real growth for this group. Earlier in the year the team had to work hard to come to terms with rucking but their determination and commitment have paid off. Now the players are eager to get stuck in and, more often than not, come away with the ball. Tackling too has improved steadily across the squad. With three or four strong tacklers initially leading the way, others have grown in confidence week by week. Today’s match reflected just how far the team has come, with every player contributing bravely and effectively in both the tackle and the ruck.

Perhaps the most impressive development over the season has been how this team has come together as a unit. They understand each other’s strengths, support one another instinctively and play with a real sense of trust and enjoyment. It is a fantastic group of young people who represent everything that is good about youth rugby.

Basildon simply could not cope with Burnham’s game. Fierce in defence, fluent in attack and full of confidence and camaraderie, the U10s delivered one of their most complete performances of the season. It was rugby played with energy, intelligence and real team spirit, a display everyone connected with the club could be proud of.

The performance felt like a fitting celebration of the progress made across the year and a real joy to watch from the sidelines. Choosing a Player of the Match was no easy task but Katherine was keen to recognise one player whose journey this season perfectly reflects the team’s wider progress. Billy is one of the squad’s most intelligent and committed players. Week in, week out he listens carefully, works hard in training and puts coaching into practice on matchdays. Already strong in his positional play, passing and running rugby, he has worked especially hard to improve his tackling and defensive confidence. Respected and well liked by his teammates, Billy is a key part of this squad and a thoroughly deserving Player of the Match. A fantastic performance to cap a fantastic season. Well done Billy.

With just one training session remaining on Thursday, this match brought the curtain down on what has been a truly memorable season for the U10s. Over the past months they have developed into one of the strongest and most cohesive teams in the region and, even more importantly, into a group that plays with pride, friendship and real enjoyment of the game.

Huge thanks go to Katherine and Dan for their commitment, encouragement and careful coaching throughout the season, and to the parents and supporters whose energy on the sidelines makes such a difference week after week. Most of all, credit belongs to the players themselves for their effort, teamwork and spirit across a brilliant year.

They, like the rest of us at the club, should all be incredibly proud of what they have achieved.