u14s Runners up at New Milton 7s

A beautiful day down at New Milton started with a 9am meet to run through the principles of 7s rugby with the the team. Eighty minutes later 'Bridge's first game against US Portsmouth got off to a great start with tries from Ben Galdeano and George O'Reilly and it looked like the boys had made a successful transition from the 15 man version. However, US Portsmouth had other ideas and in the second half turned the game around, running in three tries to finish the match 17 - 10 winners.

'Bridge's next match was against Tottonians and the Blues showed they had learned the lessons from game one by putting in a great demonstration of 7s rugby. Galdeano scored his second and was joined on two tries by Jack Griffiths and there were also scores for Bird Root, Sam Bishop and Jake Barry with 'Bridge running out 38 - 22 winners. Game three against New Milton 1 was another great performance, 'Bridge winning 27 - 7 with tries from Galdeano, Griffiths, Bishop and a further two from Root. This saw 'Bridge top their qualification group by virtue of scoring more tries than US Portsmouth and Tottonians who had both also finished the qualification rounds with two wins, and a Cup semi-final against New Milton 2 beckoned.

The semi-final got off to a great start with 'Bridge running in three tries, (two from Bishop and one from Root), and demonstrating some fantastic defensive play, twice denying New Milton on the line when they looked certain to score. However, New Milton kept up their attacks and came out strongly after the break scoring two quick tries and putting the pressure back on the Fordingbridge team. Whilst there might have been some concern from the touchline, the players upped their game with Griffiths and Root going over again to give 'Bridge a convincing 33 - 17 victory and a place in the Cup final against Trojans.

By now it was nearly 4pm and the boys were beginning to feel the effects of the day's play and by half time the Blues found themselves two tries down despite there being little to choose between the two teams. Bishop went over shortly after half time to create a grandstand finish but for the Blues it was not going to be their day and close to the end Trojans went over for their third try to seal victory.

A great day with fine performances from all of the squad which will do the boys' confidence a great deal of good going into the County 7s tournament on April 21st.