U8's beat Harlow to go P25 W25 L0 and Thorrock Festival Champions

Sam Playle, David Tappis, George Lecomber, Rocky Slade, Strake Brannon, Riley Claxton-Smith, Jimmy Doman, William Oliver
Unavailable; Max Salmon, Freddy Clark, George Hillar, Brian Corr

Romford went into the final game of the season depleted, missing some key players and with Harlow as the opposition, this was the banana skin to Romford's record breaking run continuing to the end. Tension was high amongst the coaching staff and onlookers but the boys didn't bat an eyelid, they obviously hadn't read the script, they went about their business as if it was the first game of the season. Tappis and Lecomber both relatively new to the team showed real promise. Tappis was solid in midfield putting together some great defensive sets. While Lecomber was forcing Harlow back with some elusive running eventually getting over for a try. On a full sized pitch for the age group, and with Harlow wanting to give all 30 odd players a "good run out" the Romford few would have to put in a 4 game shift in hot conditions to keep their record intact. The boys as they have done all season just revelled in the challenge, from the off they were all over Harlow pushing them back, keeping up the defensive line and just shutting down any options Harlow had to shift the ball. Doman, Claxton-Smith and Oliver would not be beaten, if one missed a tag the other was there to finish the job. In attack they also showed some great interplay, Doman making hard yards shifting the ball to Claxton-Smith who weaved his way this way and that, before making a pin point pass to Oliver who ran a perfect line through the Harlow defence to ghost over unchallenged. Brannon and Slade were also playing well, running hard and scoring freely whilst Playle's defence was unshakeable, not giving any ground and bowling over all comers. Romford won 10-4, 8-4, 8-4 and drew the last match 9-9 really digging deep in the hot weather, they just would not be beaten by the much fresher side. It was a true depiction of the spirit they have shown all season, the winning is great and they have enjoyed it but the lads have learnt that hard work and team work is the key. Their attitude in training and with each other is paramount, they never give up, they encourage each other, they challenge themselves and their team mates and they enjoy each others company off field. Its been a pleasure to coach them this season and I believe they have the making of a real team in the Rugby sense, a brotherhood.

WELL DONE BOYS