The 'U16/U17 development game' v Hymers on Wednesday didn't quite turn out as expected as Hymers came with just two U16s in their squad and none in their starting line-up, our squad consisting of 16 U16s, with just 6 U17s!

Unsurprisingly, as we were opposing a well-organised and physically stronger side with a younger scratch team, we were off the pace in the early stages. Two early tries for Hymers threatened a rout. But then our lads, encouraged by the U17 contingent recognised they had to up the tempo and aggression. They started getting to the breakdown much quicker, threw themselves vigorously into tackles, won their share of ball and started to knock some holes in the Hymers defence, without quite scoring. A try for Hymers late in the half was the only blip in the second quarter

After the turn around, with the breeze in our favour, our lads showed renewed heart. Now they were playing the game much deeper into the Hymers half. An early try gave us encouragement and the battle was certainly more equal, with the balance of play even in our favour. Hymers replied with a breakaway try of their own, but then a second try for us followed midway through the half. With a sustained period of pressure following, an unlikely comeback seemed briefly on the cards. But Hymers had their opportunities too, and another late try for them completed the scoring, 27-10 being the final result.

Bloodied and bruised, our lads trudged from the field, their disappointment at the result testament to the fact that their expectations are so much higher these days. Given the balance of each squad and the fact they were competing against a higher team from the premier rugby school in the region, this was a game the lads were never likely to win. But what they did was magnificent. After the initial shock, they really stepped up to the mark, competed fantastically well in all areas and learned that they are more than capable of a higher tempo, more physical game. The trick now will be to take this experience forward into their own age group.