Rugby Rob & Rugby Rose: U14s Shine Against St Brendan's

Rob: Hey Rose, wow – back at Whitehall again! Feels like only yesterday we were here for that T1 game.

Rose: I couldn’t agree more, Rob. But this time we were in for a real treat. This combination team of Whitehall, Bristol Quins, and Yate has such an air about them. You can tell they’ve worked incredibly hard in preseason. I got to see a few of their sessions, and honestly, the lads turned up every week. So seeing them tested against a strong side like St Brendan’s was always going to be fascinating.

Rob: And what a way to start the season – a good victory!

⚡ Standout Moments

Rose: For me, the highlight wasn’t a single try or tackle, it was the unity. Rugby is the ultimate team sport, and the way these lads came together, supporting each other, trusting each other – it was incredible.

Rob: Absolutely. You could feel the nervousness before kick-off – facing St Brendan’s, who are a very fit, well-drilled side. But once the whistle blew, the team switched on their rugby brains, leaned into all that preseason fitness work, and just played their game. With only one sub due to holidays, that composure and fitness really mattered.

🙌 Players Who Stood Out

Rose: It was a proper team effort, but we’ve got to give some shoutouts. The pack were immense, giving the backs space to show their flair. Harry and Seb controlled things brilliantly. Tom showed real passion in his running, and Logan – his first ever match – was outstanding.

Rob: And the leadership on the field was something else. Captain Reniko led by example, making the right calls with his fellow leaders. Lucas Iles had a new challenge in the forwards this season and looked like he loved the contact. Joe Hill at 8? Looked like he’s found his natural home – some great tackles there.

Rose: And let’s not forget the backs. They’re rebuilding this season, but with Seb Kitson pulling the strings at fly half and Reniko alongside him, they controlled attack and defence beautifully. Tait and Xander looked like they’d been playing together for years. Tries came from that blend of forward grunt and backline spark, with Reniko and Gene both getting over the line several time. And Seb? Cool as you like – converted the extras every time.  I loved the banter between Reniko and Seb, when Reniko went into the corner and looked at Seb as said “felt like you needed a challenge” with a smile in his face.

Rob: absolutely, but did you hear the team get behind Seb cheering him on, that added at least 5m’s to his kick, a great conversation but to be honest that sense of team, that was the more important

📚 Lessons Learned

Rob: The biggest takeaway? Belief. Every player focused on their own game because they trusted the teammate next to them. That trust is golden.

👏 Supporters’ Impact

Rose: Oh, the parents were brilliant. They’d seen all the preseason effort, so they were just as nervous as the lads before kick-off. But once the whistle blew and the boys turned it on, the nerves disappeared. The energy from the side-line gave the players a real lift.

📝 Final Whistle Thoughts

Rob: If I had to sum up this game in three words – Passion. Teamwork. Focus.

Rose: Spot on. This was an incredible start to what’s going to be a tough season. St Brendan’s are a very organised, talented team, and they tested these lads. But the confidence this win will bring is huge. Both sides were respectful, the ref kept it flowing, and it was just a cracking game of rugby all round.

Rob: Couldn’t have said it better. If this is the foundation, then the journey this season is going to be exciting to watch. Bring it on!