This weekend the eyes of the World’s Rugby Press may have been focused on proceedings elsewhere in Europe, however a fortunate group of parents were treated to a feast of Top Tier U10 rugby this Sunday morning on Market Harborough’s lower pitch. No rousing anthems and certainly no roof status to debate, merely bright sunshine, a biting breeze, and a well-disciplined and good-natured Market Bosworth squad.

The Menaces and Market Bosworth were split into 2 teams: A & B. The following Match Report focuses on Menaces A.

After some warm-up training, Menaces A faced Market Bosworth A (MB-A) and were quickly on the scoreboard with a determined run through tackles by George Williams catching MB-A cold early on. MB-A regrouped quickly and were twice unlucky not to score themselves being burrowed into touch on the try-line with some resilient Menaces A tackling. Between these MB-A attempts, Teagan Beaufoy capitalised on a typical Arthur Adams streak down the pitch, some good rucking allowing Teagan to dive over for a score. Before half-time Teagan himself was foiled with a tackle into touch on the tryline, an entertaining first half ended 2-0.

MB-A regouped in the second half and their pressure lead to some loose passes from Menaces A: a sure try opportunity was saved by a strong reactive tackle from Jonny Sobek but, several phases later, and another pass was intercepted and MB-A were on the scoreboard. Menaces A shrugged off some high tackling from MB-A and Ryan Cullen turned his strong morning’s performance into points.

The match finished with MB-A camped on the Menaces A tryline and, despite some strong defending, MB-A crossed the tryline. The match finished 3-2, Menaces A deserving the spoils in this even contest with their stronger tackling and counter-rucking.

A quick turnaround and Menaces A were standing opposite Market Bosworth B (MB-B). Menaces A kicked-off and again quickly opened their account with a try from Jonny Sobek running through the centre and some MB-B tackles. MB-B continued to apply pressure, drawing an attritional passage of play of strong rucking and tackling, most notably by Joseph Baverstock. This passage concluded with a storming run and try from Ryan Cullen. A drop in concentration allowed MB-B to score a try of their own running through some uncharacteristic weak tackling by the Menaces A, the half ended 3-1.

Despite Menaces A improving their tackling MB-B managed to score early in the second half and looked to be clawing the game back before an inspirational rip and try by George Williams maintained the gap of 2 points. MB-B added a 3rd try to their tally but Menaces A kept their composure squandering some further opportunities to score but ultimately remaining dominant.

The match finished 4-3 again reflecting Menaces A's edge in an evenly-matched contest.

The final match of the morning pitched merged A&B teams against each other and provided the icing on the morning’s cake for the watching parents, already stuffed (and hoarse) on the delights served-up earlier. Determined to achieve the whitewash, the Menaces stepped-up their earlier intensity with some strong tackling from Jonny Sobek & Teagan Beaufoy. Joseph Baverstock scored the first try of the match as Market Bosworth were shocked backwards by this team-wide serving of intent. Teagan Beaufoy was once again on the scoresheet after another George Williams run. Dylan Williams was unlucky not to score being ripped right on the tryline, Market Bosworth scored before the half-time whistle, a flattering scoreline of 2-1 not reflecting the Menaces’s dominance in this first half.

The final half of the morning was the chocolate sprinkles on the icing of the morning’s cake, the heavens [figuratively] opening and it raining tries. Market Bosworth managed an additional try, but 1 try apiece for Jonny Sobek and George Williams, plus 2 from Arthur Adams, coupled with stout tackling and great passing ensured an emphatic 6-2 victory.

It would appear the fixtures over the recent weeks have honed the Menaces who are reaching the level of tackling consistency shown in the latter stages of last season, but also improving in intensity at kick-offs and rucks displaying a greater understanding of these set-pieces and a deeper team cohesion.

Andy Sobek