National Colts Competition

Sunday 15th March 2015
Newbury U18 v Dartfordians U18 - National Colts KO Plate Cup - Quarter Final
Journey’s End for the Cup
Educational and work commitments rescheduled and with alarm clocks ringing at an indecent hour, 21 Newbury Colts boarded the coach (complete with working toilet) for the trip to Dartford. This match seemed an unlikely possibility 6 months ago but the team has grown over the season and were keen to progress further.
As it turned out however it was not to be Newbury’s day as they came up against a very accomplished and strong running Dartfordians side, who are riding high in their regional cup and league. Newbury were put under immediate pressure and fell behind on the scoreboard. Our situation was not helped when hooker, George Anderson left the field after about 10 minutes for a trip to the local A&E department. He was soon followed from the field by Conor Segre, our 9 for the day who picked up a knee injury.
Although we were not in a position to win the match, there were periods of good attacking play from Newbury which on another day would have resulted in a number of scores. Throughout the match, the travelling substitutes were made full use of and can be proud of their input into this and previous matches.
With the match over, Newbury left the field well beaten on the day and perhaps feeling they could have done better, but sometimes stuff just happens. All can reflect on the successes of getting to this stage of a National Competition and for those back again next season, the experience of the cup will be there to build upon.
Once in the clubhouse and cleaned up, spirits improved and the journey back was a jovial affair, including a detour to A&E to ensure we got back with the same 21 players we left Newbury with.
I would like to thank the players, parents, coaches, our driver, and the club for making the day a memorable occasion. Never surrender!