Drawn in a tough pool against Wimbledon, Warlingham, Reeds and Battersea Ironsides, it was very important to get off to a winning start. So a 3-0 win against Wimbledon was set the ball rolling. This was followed by a 7-1 win against Warlingham.

This set us up nicely for a long awaited match against the local rivals from Whiteley Village. The Vandals team soon hit their stride and coasted to a half time lead of 4-0. Fresh legs saw the Vandals romp home 6-0 with 4 minutes to spare.

This left the Vandals with one foot in the final stages. There was time for a bit of controversy in the final pool game when Battersea Ironsides were credited with a 4-3 win despite the actual number of tries being scored by each team being 3 apiece - what a time for an admin error! A slightly anxious wait saw the Vandals eventually confirm their place in the plate final - just as well because at this stage I was well on my way to Mitcham! (Thanks John for the updates!)

A mad dash across south London saw me arrive just in time for the final against Chipstead. A high quality first half saw the two teams locked at 0-0. Fresh legs again gave the team a boost and it was the Vandals who drew first blood. However a number of missed tackles saw Chipstead respond immediately. Perhaps it was the excitement, perhaps it was a long day catching up?

The last two minutes were very nervy and Chipstead had territorial advantage as last play was called. Luckily the Vandals pack stole the ball and surged up the field, just a Chipstead threatened to spoil the party. Their was no last gasp try and the two teams deservedly shared the spoils after a fantastic last match. Both sets of players, spectators and coaches were a credit to the game. Also well done to Mitcham, who put on a great day out for us.

Thanks to Jason and Toby for running the show today - to the 12 stars who did us so proud today and to the parents for your support. We also had a great training session at home with 9 u9s players also doing very well today and winning their match against the u8s. We have a great squad with an amazing 21 players out in force today. We are in a great place to build on these successes at our home festival on 25 March.

I look forward to seeing loads of you at the Eng v Ire legends match on Friday night - and then next Sunday for training at home.

Fabs

PS Well done to the U8s and u10 teams who also brought silverware back from Mitcham!