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Worcester Wild Ones under 11s finished off their season in style ,

winning the Stratford Tournament. This was just reward for a squad which

has blossomed throughout the season, who play a fast expansive game,

where all players have terrific handling skills, and a cast iron

defence. It is well known that the under 11s are not a physically big

side, but the passion, drive, and commitment they bring to the game,

certainly makes up for the lack of size. The Wild Ones played four

matches on their way to winning the tournament, Birmingham and Solihull

were first up. The Wild Ones took a little time to get into their

stride, but as soon as they did, B & S had no answer to Worcesters

expansive game, rattling in 4 lovely tries. With George Wooton and

Cameron Hunter orchestrating things at half back, and with Oli Gore, and

Dan Cottrill running some lovely lines at centre, Willem Stanley, Will

Tibbetts, Cottrill and Wooton all touched down to win the first game.

Second up was Polkington from Yorkshire. They were a huge side, and the

Wild Ones had to defend heroically to keep them out, but they did , and

from turn over ball, the passes were quick, and precise, to winger

Willem Stanley, who touched down. On the stroke of full time,

Polkingtons massive forwards bulldozed over the line to gain an unlikely

draw. Local rivals , and old foes Stratford were up next. This game was

terrific. Full of drama and high quality rugby, with both sides toe to

toe with each other. The Wild Ones enjoyed the majority of possession,

and for endless periods battered the Stratford defence, but constant

Stratford infringements, and killing quick ball, went unpunished, and a

pulsating match ended in a draw. The Wild Ones last match was a must win

affair, and to win the tournament they had to score 5 tries to win by

countback. Cheltenham were on the end of Worcester at their clinical

best. With their forwards rucking wonderfully well, Bradley Smith, in

particular excellent, Ed Griffiths , Alex Forrestor, JJ Hunt, all making

the hard yards, the backs enjoyed plenty of possession. George Wooton

scored first, Cameron Hunter then bamboozled the defence before off

loading to Cottrill, whos angle of run was excellent, and his pace took

him over the line. Oli Lycett, then went on a powerful run, making

holes, his pass released the gutsy, and technically excellent Max Smith,

who went on a long mazy run, interpassing with Tibbetts who crossed the

line. On the half time whistle more inventive play saw Stanley swop

wings, and from a scrum on half way, Wooton went blind, and his pass

released Stanley to score in the corner. After half time Worcester went

for the kill. Again powerful forward drives, with JJ Hunt and Bradley

Smith to the fore, taken on by Luke Gailey, who made a clean break

before being tackled. His lovely off load was taken on by the vastly

improved Lawrence Stephens who charged over. To Cheltenhams credit, they

kept going, but Worcester were now in full flow, and two late tries, one

from Willem Stanley and from Will Tibbetts completed the scoring, and

with it the Tournament victory.