An early start on a foggy remembrance Sunday for Casuals Vs West Bridgeford saw the Under 11s put up a brave fight against a well-drilled West Bridgeford team, with the final score line not really reflecting the scale of the contest.

With the coaches’ refrain of ‘what am I doing?’ echoing in their ears, it appeared that the Casuals increasingly do know what they’re doing.

West Bridgford slipped a few early ones past the Casuals, but the try rate slowed as Casuals tightened defences, upped the work rate and searched out the space with some fantastic wide passes.

Casuals were unlucky not to chalk up a few tries as we had some great runs of power play with Felix, Rupert, Bradwell, Owen, Spencer, Edwyn and Stan all coming dangerously close to the try line.

Support work was looking much improved too – with Oscar, Archie, George, Liam, Emmett and Nii Yartay making nimble passes out of the ruck, but perhaps a lesson to take from West Bridgeford is to press our line harder together in attack?

We grafted in defence with some solid tackles and driving runs… although perhaps the defensive highlight of the game was George’s dogged determination to keep hold of a WB player’s leg at all costs …he just wouldn’t be shaken off. And trust me, the WB player did try hard!

We knew West Bridgeford were a strong side going into today, but Casuals can be rightly proud of their performance. In fact, several of the WB side remarked on what a great contest Casuals had given them.

From the sideline we witnessed excellent commitment, bravery and teamwork on the pitch today against an organised opposition. The consensus was that this was the best we’ve looked as a team so far this season and there was a lot to like about today’s performance. Well done Casuals!