WELLINGTON RFC Raptors Under 11s entertained Withycombe - and came out victorious

Their hard running and strength in the collision area shocked the visiting team while putting into practise what they have been doing in training. From using their pod system to resetting themselves either in attack or defence, it was a true team effort.

The game was split into quarters, so in the first quarter Raptors played their strongest squad. In the second and third quarter Raptors played new players and some of their development players, alongside some experienced players.

In the last quarter they played their strongest squad - and then made subs.

The Withycombe players did not expect Raptors to finish the game the way they did; they went out with a vengeance, making subs as they went along.

Zach played the most, so he was brought off for half of the last quarter; however this was a costly mistake as the No9 position went out the window, so he was brought back on, and then back off for the last five with Oscar jumping at No9

Ozzy and Louis played very well as a pod. They tackled, scored and controlled the inside. Oakley and Corbyn were also very good out wide; plenty of support runs with both getting on the score sheet. Haribo was up for it and Bowen made some good runs.

The new players did very well and did not buckle under pressure, making good tackles, and Luke and Sam both did what they do best; they both played well. Sam had a head injury so had to come off. Lincoln and Jessie both had very good games as well.

But, more importantly, every single player loved it and the squad go into training on Wednesday to do it all again.

Any new players are welcome to come and try it out.

E.F.