Our second training game of the season saw us travel south to Telford on a beautifully sunny Sunday morning. The long migration down the A5 was more than worth it as the Sandbach boys put on an early season carnival of running rugby. It is great for Under 13 rugby that both Sandbach and Telford Hornets have healthy squads of 20-25 boys and to ensure plenty of game time for everyone the coaches collectively decided to play four quarters of 15 minutes.

The Sandbach coaches were delighted with the efforts of all the players who are demonstrating their ability to adapt to a fluid ruck and run game which resulted in some great tries being scored - mostly in the corners giving Bosh some kicking practice from the touchline.

It's always difficult and arguably a little unfair to pick out specific individuals in a team performance but it would be remiss of us not to mention a few who stood out this week:

- OB1 in his first appearance of the season bagged a hat-trick and it is pleasing that his father has agreed to honour purchase of the customary jug next time we see him in the bar (likely) and he has his wallet with him (less likely). One of the tries must be a contender for try of the season; it all starting with Elsie catching the ball from the kick off and going on a mazey run before recycling to Spray Tan who fed the ball out wide to OB1, a couple of outrageous side-steps later and after a clever interchange with Bosh he went in under the posts.

- Elsie, HP, Hamlet, the Italian Stallion and iForward all stood out at various times for industry and good decision making in the contact area

- Lanky also made a mark coming on to the pitch wearing a dress and then tearing around like a Tasmanian Devil in his usual style.

- In the back line this was another week of great contribution from iBack and Yorkie for both physicality in defence and for getting over the whitewash. After scoring his try in the right hand corner Yorkie had to come off with an arm injury to join Chris Froome and Skywalker who were already bed blocking in Telford Infirmary - we hope that not one of the injuries is too serious.

In the end we scored nine tries and conceded a couple as the determination of the Hornets strong midfield runners paid off with two great solo efforts.

This week reinforced the increased confrontation and physicality of the Under 13 year both on the pitch and in the queue for coffee - will let the Mums tell you that story if you care to ask.

Thanks to the Hornets for their generous hospitality it was appreciated by all.