Stowmarket U11s went on their first tour, made possible by the amazing organisation from Kerry and Emily, and the multiple fundraisers we had done over the last few seasons. They headed to North Norfolk to camp in the wind and rain at Holt, playing at the Holt Festival on the Sunday, taking 22 players and giving every team they came up against a good run for their money.

Blue Team

For the Blue team, they started in typical Stowmarket fashion, letting the opposition get a couple of tries ahead before they started playing. But when they did get going, they were scoring tries for fun—most notably Zach; I lost count of how many tries he ran in.

With Harrison and Mollie filling in the fly-half role, they controlled the games and distributed the ball well. Elijah, Edward and Harley played as our strong ball carriers, with Zach, Anthony and Joe working the wings. Harry was solid in defence, notably taking on the 11-year-old “Andre the Giant.” Thomas was an absolute rucking machine, and Honey filled in at scrum-half. Every player stepped up when they were called upon.

The one down point we had was lending Joe to Finchley RFC after they suffered a few injuries—and he decided to score a hat-trick against us!

Red Team

The Red Team “hit the ground running”, avoiding the typical slow start often seen in tournament play. From the opening kickoff, the squad functioned as a single, cohesive unit. The key to success was the team’s internal communication. Players didn’t just listen to the coaching staff; they listened to one another. This mutual respect ensured that every player was in the right position at the right time.

Bobby’s tackling machine performance throughout the festival ensured the opposition gained no momentum in attack, making tackle after tackle.

Leo’s powerful runs came from listening to positioning cues and executing with intent. His surge down the centre of the pitch saw him blast through initial contact, gaining a staggering 15 metres past the gain line.

Combine that tackling and power with the games being controlled by Louie at the back—being the eyes of the team—and Albert/Joel stepping into the playmaker positions to distribute the ball and get the team on the front foot.

The Red Team proved that when a squad listens, learns, and laughs together, the results on the scoreboard take care of themselves.

Coaches’ Players of the Festival

Every single player put their hand up for player of the day. Steph picked William for his sheer effort and constant improvement. Gary picked Leo, who started timid but, by listening to instructions, improved each game to gain valuable metres on multiple occasions. Scott picked Elijah for always being a vocal point of the team, making multiple line breaks and always looking for his support runners. Lastly, Dave picked Harrison for showing incredible game management and always looking to link up with his teammates.

The weekend finished with broken gazebos, tents that had caved in from the wind, and a flat car battery—but none of that put a dampener on an amazing weekend of laughs and friendships made.