On a wet and wild morning, in conditions that would have tested a senior squad, our U12s delivered an outstanding team performance. With rain falling steadily and the pitches resembling the Tijuana mud flats by full time, this was proper old-school rugby, and the boys embraced every second of it, writes Head Coach Tom Bolland.

From the first whistle, the tone was set at the breakdown. We controlled the tempo, retained possession through multiple phases, and counter-rucked like covert navy seals on a mission. That dominance allowed us to dictate territory and build pressure.

1–0 Nate - After seven hard-earned phases of play, demonstrating patience and composure well beyond their years, Nate spotted the gap and dived over to open the scoring.

2–0 Jack G - A powerful burst straight through the middle split the defence in two and extended the lead.

At half time, six substitutes were introduced, maintaining intensity and ensuring fresh legs in the testing conditions.

3–0 Woody - A great piercing run saw Woody cut through traffic to score.

4–0 Jack G - Excellent support play paid off as Jack G tracked the break and dived over for his second.

Another six changes followed, a testament to the squad depth and collective contribution.

5–0 Charlie - Bulldozed over carrying what looked like half their team with him. A determined, relentless finish.

6–0 Nate - A brilliant solo effort from the halfway line, showing pace and balance despite the heavy surface.

With the game officially over at 6–0, Ironsides managed to pull one back to make it 6–1, but the response was immediate.

7–1 Nate - Outstanding support play brought up a well-deserved hat trick, capping a superb individual performance built on team foundations.

8–1 Oscar - The moment of the match. Gathering the ball behind his own try line, Oscar side-stepped two advancing players, turned on the afterburners, and ran the full length of the pitch to score - a sensational effort in ankle-deep mud.

Special mentions must go to Arthur, playing his first ever game of rugby. He put in several crunching tackles and showed tremendous courage and commitment, a fantastic debut.

Also Joel & Santiago deserve mentions for relentless workrate and hunger for the ball at the breakdown to steal and keep our possession.

An amazing squad performance in tough, rainy conditions. Controlled at the breakdown, clinical in attack, and resilient in defence. A brilliant advert for team rugby and effort for each other.