🌹 Rugby Rose Reports…Yate U9s vs St Bernadette’s U9s

Yate Under 9s kicked off the new year in proper rugby style, welcoming St Bernadette’s to YOSC for the first fixture after the festive break — and what a lovely way to blow away the Christmas cobwebs it was. A crisp winter chill sat in the air, but the pitch was dry, the players were buzzing, and there was that unmistakable feeling of rugby being back where it belongs.

Both clubs arrived with strong squads and big smiles, and from the very first whistle you could feel the excitement. As you’d expect after a few weeks off, the opening moments were a little cautious — passes being tested, spacing being found again, and legs remembering what match day actually feels like. But it didn’t take long for the rhythm to return.

Once things settled, the game really came to life. Two brilliant styles of rugby were on show. Yate looked to play with flair and awareness, using quick feet, clever running lines and lovely little passes to find space. St Bernadette’s brought real physicality, running hard and tackling with real intent, asking serious questions of the Yate defence.

And oh, how Yate answered them.

As the match went on, the confidence grew. Tackles became firmer, support runners appeared exactly where they were needed, and the whole team started moving as one. By the final stages, the intensity had lifted right up — crunching tackles, determined runs, and huge smiles every time a teammate made a big play. It was proper, honest, joyful rugby.

What made it even more special was the wider scene. With five Yate teams playing five St Bernadette’s sides across the site, YOSC was absolutely buzzing. Laughter, cheers, and the sound of boots on grass filled the air — a perfect picture of junior rugby at its best.

And a massive thank you has to go to the parents and supporters from both clubs. Standing in the cold, clapping every tackle, cheering every run and encouraging every child — you made the morning feel warm, positive and full of energy.

A wonderful return to action for the Yate U9s, full of effort, enjoyment and promise. If this is how 2026 is starting, then I think we’re in for something very special indeed. 💙💛