Yate / Whitehall / Quins U14s vs Stroud U14s

I was lucky enough to catch up with Sideline Sam after last week’s win, and one thing he said stuck with me: “The heart of these lads is incredible, you’ll be impressed.”

Big words, I thought. My god… he wasn’t wrong.

Let’s put the scoreline to one side. What we witnessed was 60 minutes of Under 14 rugby played by a team with one substitute — and then none at all in the second half. An early injury to a key player meant the lads went into half-time already down to zero subs. Not once did a head drop. Not once did anyone stop. They played, and played, and played — for each other.

Stroud attacked and attacked, asking constant questions. Time and again our boys answered with grit, determination and some outstanding defence. There were several moments when Stroud’s fastest runners broke the line, and in around 80% of those cases, the team chased them all the way and dragged them down. Even more impressive was the ability to turn defence instantly into attack, shifting gears and putting the opposition under pressure despite tired legs and burning lungs. It was breath taking.

Both teams worked incredibly hard for their scores. Yes, it finished five tries to two — but make no mistake, every inch of that pitch was earned.

The mood going into the game was positive. The lads knew they were light on numbers, with injuries and absences across the squad, but they turned up ready focused on themselves as a team and committed to playing for one another. That mindset never wavered.

Building on last week, the forwards were again excellent. Their carries in the first half laid a platform that allowed Harry and Seb to start testing the Stroud defence with smart plays and attacking options. We fought intelligently and played to our strengths. I’m not sure I’d last 60 minutes out there, but those boys did. Tackling across the entire squad was outstanding.

What stood out most, though, was togetherness. Every single player raised their level. After conceding a try, the lads came together, talked, reset, and controlled each other’s emotions. There were tired legs and heavy arms, but they kept each other going right to the final whistle.

Stroud were a strong, respectful side and a pleasure to watch. Physically tough on both sides, the match had everything grassroots rugby should have — played in the right spirit and clearly enjoyed by both teams.

The sidelines were brilliant. Parents and supporters from both clubs applauded every effort, every tackle, every moment of bravery. It created a fantastic atmosphere and reminded everyone why we love this game.

Awards of the Match

• Forward of the Match: Jacob — outstanding carries, relentless tackling, and playing three different positions with real impact.

  

• Back of the Match: Seb Kitson — excellent command in attack, creative thinking, and a huge work rate throughout.

  

• Team Player Award (Captain’s Vote – The “Hype Man”): Charlie — arm around teammates, lifting spirits, front row or backline, always there to drive the team on.

  

A performance full of pride and courage.

Three words to sum it up:

Unity. Hard work. Belief. 💙💛

Yate/Whitehall/Quins U14s vs Midsomer Norton U14sFinal Score: Yate\Whitehall\Quins 31 – 26 Midsomer Norton

The score line was irrelevant — this game was an outstanding example of grassroots rugby.

Over 40 lads took to the pitch, and what followed was a proper contest in every sense of the word. It had everything: drama, passion, scores, individual brilliance and team-work excellence. If any of the Six Nations matches this year live up to this, I’ll be surprised — because this is what makes our sport the ultimate team game.

From the first whistle, the grit and determination of both sides was clear. These players weren’t just playing to win — they were playing for each other, for enjoyment, and for the badge on their chest. It was a masterclass in never giving up and is what grassroots rugby should look like.

Going into the match there were some nerves. We’ve spoken a lot recently about growth as players, as leaders, and as teammates who coach each other. That mindset was tested when the lads went in at half-time 21–5 down. But what followed was nothing short of outstanding. Heads stayed up, belief stayed strong, and the second half performance showed exactly what a positive mindset and a never-give-up attitude can achieve.

The forwards were immense today. Their ball carrying and handling, especially in the conditions, was top class and laid the platform for everything that followed. But more than any individual, it was the togetherness that stood out. Everyone raised their level. Everyone wanted a big team performance, and they delivered.

There wasn’t one single moment of resilience — it was constant. No matter what the scoreboard said, the lads believed in themselves and in each other, and kept playing the rugby they knew they could.

Midsomer Norton deserve huge credit. They played a great style of rugby, were physical, skilful and fair throughout. The game could genuinely have gone either way, and the respect shown between both sets of players after the final whistle was brilliant to see, at the end you forgot these were 13/14 year old lads.

The sideline, as always, was vocal and positive — thank you to all the parents and families who created such a fantastic atmosphere.

Awards of the Day

Forward of the Match: Linden — outstanding tackling, rucking and carrying, and lifting everyone around him.

Back of the Match: Harry (Scrum Half) — excellent game management, sharp passing and superb communication, always playing what was in front of him.

Team Player Award (Captain’s Vote – The “Hype Man” (Coach Steve wants to call this award the Flavor Flav award not sure the kids would understand that one): Seb Kitson — turning up despite being ill and bringing energy, positivity and drive when it was needed most.

Well done, lads — a performance full of heart and pride.

Three words to sum it up: Teamwork. Togetherness. Grit. 💙💛

Yate vs St Bernadette’s - Our Under 7's and our Under 8's teams in action

Rugby Riley: I’ve got to start this one, Connor. I came into Sunday still buzzing after watching the Yate men put on a show the day before — and honestly, going from the eldest of the club straight down to the youngest teams… it just summed up everything Yate Rugby is about.

Clubhouse Connor: That’s the beauty of it, isn’t it? Same badge, same pride, just smaller boots. And the U7s and U8s absolutely brought the energy against St Bernadette’s.

Rugby Riley: They really did. From the very first whistle you could see how excited they were to be back in a game environment. Focused, switched on, smiling — but ready. That doesn’t always happen at this age, but it did today.

Clubhouse Connor: And what stood out for me straight away was how much of a team performance it was. No single player stealing the headlines — everyone grafting, everyone involved.

Rugby Riley: Exactly that. You genuinely couldn’t pick individuals out because they all gave such a huge effort. Defensively, they were so well organised — forcing tag turnovers again and again, then immediately flipping the switch to attack. That was the difference.

Clubhouse Connor: That transition was superb. Tag, turn, go. At under 7s and under 8s level, that’s some impressive rugby thinking.

Rugby Riley: Absolutely. And yes, there’s still learning to do — getting back onside quicker is something they’ll keep working on — but honestly, to even be talking about that at this age shows how far along they already are.

Clubhouse Connor: St Bernadette’s played their part too. They moved the ball well to the wings and really tested Yate’s defensive shape, forcing the kids to spread their line and make decisions.

Rugby Riley: And they did! Every time they were challenged, they adapted. You could see them communicating, helping each other, pulling together as one unit. That effort to force turnovers and then attack with confidence was brilliant to watch.

Clubhouse Connor: The sideline was something else as well. The Yate family were out in force — cheering, clapping, and I think more than a few parents were genuinely overwhelmed by how well the kids played.

Rugby Riley: You could feel it. Pride everywhere. From the smiles on the kids’ faces to the noise on the touchline — it was rugby at its purest.

Clubhouse Connor: So how do we sum it up?

Rugby Riley: Superb, and what a future we have.

Both: A fantastic team performance. 💙💛