On the 12 Mar 17 Bancroft’s U8 RFC hosted teams from Chelmsford and Ongar to some spirited tag rugby. To ensure maximum participation Bancroft’s fielded 2 teams and the rolling substitutions ensured a constant supply of fresh legs throughout the matches. Ashton Hillier was Captain for the first match against Chelmsford and from the first whistle both teams produced a free flowing high scoring game. Jake Bramley and Noah Rothwell crossed the line frequently with their normal evasive running. Levi Browne and Oliver Fahey also helped keep the scoreboard ticking over in Bancrofts favour. Ted Goldenberg led the charge in defence collecting tags and always willing to run the hard yards in chasing down any opposition that broke through the Bancroft's defensive line.

Simultaneously Bancrofts were also in action on the adjacent pitch against Ongar. Josh Richardson proved a penetrating runner and hard to stop when running with the ball in both hands. Hugh Kelliher showed vision and awareness when he cut throw the gap on an angle and touched the ball down for a try. Harrison Neave on the occasion of his 8th birthday made a lovely break down the wing and through sheer pace managed to avoid being shepherded into touch by a spirited Ongar defence to score in the corner. Lucas Watts was a bundle of energy, popping up everywhere in defence and attack and never far from the action, in a lovely passage of play he popped a smooth pass to Oliver Tappin who drew 2 defenders before passing to Oliver Morgan in support who managed to finish of the move with a try.

In a particularly frantic 3rd match Harri Colischon and Aiden Smith were in the thick of a concerted defensive effort against a determined Ongar attack, popping up everywhere, closing the gaps and getting the tags eventually ensured a turnover ball, which Jayden Cohen was quick to take. The Bancrofts line speed and discipline was much improved from the beginning of the season and the growing confidence in passing the ball to support runners ensured a fluid game.

A fantastic morning of rugby and good sportsmanship from all players, ably facilitated by Ian, Jeremy and Travis who refereed the matches, whilst Hugh Kelliher (Snr) managed to avoid giving out any red cards for car parking violations!