Under 12s led brilliantly by Gillett, Sims and Diss their heads never dropped.

The under 12s came out fighting in the first match with teeth gritted and determined to do themselves proud, unfortunately they just could not quite reach their outside centres and wingers to use the space, but they battled on and broke the gain line with some tremendous runs from the forwards. Sudbury managed to release the ball out and put their runners over for a few tries. Burnham v Sudbury.

Second match - Burnham v Hadleigh

Another great match, tightly fought and some immense rucking and wicked cross field kicks but unfortunately again we just could not put the points over. Hadleigh played well and managed to get a couple of tries over, but Burnham never dropped, with a particular winger flying all over the pitch covering every bit of turf, not to mention the great runs in the centre of the field and some massive try saving tackles.

Third match - Braintree v Burnham

This was going to be a positive match with Burnham wanting another win against Braintree. The pressure in defence from Burnham was much better and retaining the ball in the mauls worked so much better. Some great forward pressure released a wonderful ball out the centres and then the winger but unfortunately Braintree were on him and tackled him to the ground. So close. Again though our heads did not drop. So proud of them all.

Fourth match - Burnham v Woodford

This game we faced a very well drilled squad and with a few injuries we were starting to tire, but the remainder of the team carried on and tried to fight through it AND my goodness me didn't they! We managed to do a tremendous passage of play with the ball finding the supporting fly half who whipped that ball out down the line the ball to a very nippy outside centre, who charged through the Woodford defense to score a magnificent try. With the injured players supporting brilliantly from the side lines and the under 11s too they battled through and although Woodford put points on the board in the first half, the second half they did not manage to get through as much, we upped our game and came out fighting. Well done boys.

We then had over an hours rest and we asked the team if they were happy to continue and we were so chuffed when they said a definite YES. With dubious amounts of ice creams etc.. coaches got the team fired up, but more importantly they got themselves fired up with the help of Captain Gillett, Sims and Diss. They then met the enormous Harlow squad. Well these under 12s did not let themselves down they played as a team and had so many passing phases it was unbelievable. The coaches had gone on and on about playing a passing game all morning and it seemed to sink it, it was amazing. With one try scorer popping the pass out, the centre steaming forward and then the player looping to receive a beautiful ball which meant he then run half the pitch to put the ball over the line with enormous determination. We then received the kick which went straight into the captains hands who was positioned perfectly and steamed up over half the pitch to put another set of points on the score sheet. The final try from Burnham came from a cross field kick into the hands of the Burnham runner to slam that try down. Harlow equally did not give up and managed to slip two tries over the line through their strength and great forwards running. Final score 15-10 to Burnham. Everyone was cheering from the balcony and side line it was a very well supported game and the coaches received so many compliments about the team and their amazing strength and efforts.

A tremendous Festival run by Braintree rugby club, with some very friendly clubs to play. Well done to them all and well done our boys. Thank you parents who made a tunnel for our personal champions to run through, they were incredible today.!

We are all so proud of you. Al, 2Js one Specks xxx