On Sunday, our U10s took the short journey to Old Caterhamians for the first in a series of fixtures against local teams in a friendly league organised by David Hayes at Trinity Titans. Here with his report of the morning is Head Coach, Mark Bright.

All our local rivals have come together to form a mini league which has been in the making for the last year. Warly have two teams in the league as unfortunately Old Whits folded at our age group.

Warly team 2 kicked off the league opener with an away fixture against Old Cats. After a 30 minute joint warm up with coaches exchanging ideas, the crowd and tension started to build as kick off drew near for the kids first ever 30 minute competitive match. Old Cats outnumbered us on the sidelines as their other age groups came to support and cheer on the kids which was a lovely touch.

Warly started off the slower as battle commenced, with Old Cats taking an early lead through two superb tries. This seemed to wake up the Warly team who ran in four tries in a row with excellent ripping of the ball in the mauls, and some lovely solo jinking runs. Old Cats pulled a couple of tries back before half time to go in level pegging.

After what can only be described as an ‘inspirational’ half-time team talk from Coach Brighty (ie a vigorous reminder about tackling, and our defensive line), the boys looked hungry to unleash their power, and with the advantage of the slope being ours they started the 2nd half very strong with three unanswered tries, with the more powerful lads in the team using full advantage of being able to run down hill.

Old Cats fought back and with applied pressure scored a wonderful try through the hands. Then the teams seemed to be matching each other with solid tackles and rucking in the middle of the park. A great ruck and quick hands saw Ethan get the ball deep in our half and twinkle-toe his way through everyone to score a great solo try.

With Warly still celebrating in their heads, Old Cats scored an easy try from the restart running straight through our whole team. This gave the boys the wake up call to switch back on, and they were awarded with two quick tries in succession. A try a piece ended the game with Warly coming out on top 11-6. The game was played in the best of spirits and was a delight to watch. A shout out to Big Ben for his ripping and busting runs, also to New Ben and Hektor for their tackling. Beau continued on his try run to the delight of his teammates.

Warly can not thank Old Cats enough for the game and their fantastic hospitality with them putting on delicious bacon and sausage sandwiches for the kids afterwards. A huge thank you also to David Hayes for organising the league - a promising start so far!

Warly team 1 have their opener against old rivals Purley John Fisher at home on the 16th November. Until then Warly team 2 are top of the league!!!