In retrospect Fordingbridge were placed in the strongest pool for their age group, something which became apparent as the events of the day unfurled. The first game was against a New Milton side that eventually won the Cup and the boys performed admirably despite losing 4-2. This was followed by exciting draws against Romsey (7-7) and Alton (5-5) with Fordingbride being pegged back in both games after leading at half-time. The final game was against Farnborough (eventual winners of the Shield) and at half-time Fordingbridge appeared down and out having conceded 6 tries and scored only 1. A much improved second half performance meant that the final score was 8-4. This was sufficient to see Fordingbridge through to the semi-finals of the Spoon on the basis of tries scored.

In the semifinals we played Basingstoke and despite our best performance of the Tournament we again let slip a half-time lead, with the game ending 6-6. Five minutes of anxiety were followed by utter relief after Fordingbridge went through on countback having scored more tries in the group stages.

The final was another ding-dong affair with Fordingbridge taking a 2 try lead before Havant crept ahead with just over 2 minutes to go. An early turn over from our possession appeared to seal our fate as runners-up. However, some stirling defensive work saw Havant turn over the ball just short of the line. This was followed by a sweeping attacking move that brought the scores level at 6-6 and gave the U8s a share of the Spoon.

My grateful thanks go to the very committed boys and parents of the U8s. Despite playing clubs with much larger playing numbers than the 9 Fordingbridge boys who went to Petersfield, they managed some excellent performances.

Thanks to Seb, Dominic, Harry, Arthur, Alex C, Alex B, Jed, Oliver and Alfie.

Try scorers

Seb 7
Dominic 2
Alex 13
Oliver 3
Jed 5