MHRUFC U9 Mencals @ Leicester Tigers U9 Festival 20.11.2016

An amalgamation of Menaces and Rascals squads formed the second U9 MHRUFC team “Mencals” entered at this Sunday’s Leicester Tigers U9 Festival. Despite the changes in combinations, and the backdrop of a notably cold and gloomy morning, the Mencals won both their matches and showed that the tireless training over the last few weeks continues to pay real dividends.

First up were Newmarket. As both teams lined-up for kick-off it was evident that Mencals had a significant average height advantage and, from the outset, this physical advantage was capitalised on with an intense tackling display, most notably from Daniel Weston, Max Henderson, and Joab Tiney, nullifying any attack or spirit that Newmarket had brought with them. As the tackles rained down, so did the tries: Daniel Weston grabbed a brace, Joab Tiney, Max Henderson, and Woody Redfearn also powered-over with quick running from deep and an ability to shrug off any defence. Newmarket failed to score leaving Mencals with a 5-0 try whitewash.

"Melton 2” provided a sterner test for the Mencals who, despite taking an early lead through a gem of a try from Teagan Beaufoy, found themselves 2-1 down after a "Melton 2” show of determination whilst Mencals were still warming-up. No matter, the Mencals regrouped and found their stride again through relentless tackles and 2 tries from Daniel Weston, a try for Joab Tiney, and Teagan Beaufoy grabbed himself a second. Whilst "Melton 2” managed a late try, the Mencals ran out deserving 5-3 try winners and the elation and pride amongst the team was palpable.

Concensus amongst the parents and spectators was that both matches provided an enjoyable spectacle, that every squad member had stepped-up from previous performances, and their tag rugby-playing days are now a distant memory.