RFU rules state that match scores are not recorded in mini rugby, so with the team moving up to youth rugby in September, Sunday mornings Sussex County U11 Festival was the teams last shot at becoming the ‘Unofficial County Champions’. Two years ago Hove went unbeaten, last season Chichester matched that feat and were the only team to beat us (although we also drew with Hove).

Eastbourne RFC hosted the event and pre match preparation went well albeit in drizzly conditions. Chichester, our first opponents of the day saw the Bucs race into an early lead, which we had doubled by halftime. As expected, Chi came back at us in the second half, reducing the deficit however when the final whistle blew it was all smiles for the boys from Waterhall.

Game 2 was Pulborough, the drizzle had continued making playing conditions tricky. Despite Brighton dominating possession and territory throughout, the refs apparent blindness to Borough hands in the ruck lead to the match ending in a draw.

Horsham were our next opponents and they gave a spirited performance but were duly swept aside by the Bucs. Meanwhile Hove beat Pulborough setting it up for the two remaining unbeaten teams to meet in the next match.

The drizzle had stopped by the time Brighton and Hove took to the field, and right from kick off it was clear that the Bucs were happier in the dry conditions. We moved the ball nicely and always looked dangerous in possession, however our try came from a smart interception and a footrace to the line. Once we took the lead, the team switched up their tactics, kicking for territory whenever we were in our own half then backing it up with chase after chase forcing Hove back in their own half and trusting our defence to pin them there. When the final whistle sounded the Bucs were all smiles.

The final match of the day was against an East Grinstead side who had endured a difficult maiden entry into the ‘strong’ pool at the county festival, but armed with some big players in their team, they were ready to upset the Brighton party! With the exertion of the previous fixtures beginning to set in to the Bucs team, twice EG took the lead forcing our boys to dig deep and rally together. It took until the last play of the match for Brighton to level the scores for the second time and earn the right to call themselves the only unbeaten team at the Sussex Festival.

The team was elated with their performances on the day and while they would have preferred to win all 5 of their games, they are well aware that they aren’t even in secondary school yet and the squad is very much on an upward trajectory.

With one month left to go in the season it’s time to party party party - fancy dress and music wherever we go and of course we need to spend the booty from our 200 Club win - VX3 Smock tops for all!!!