What a weekend. From U7 to U11, every TJ Minis team gave everything they had on the pitch, in the pool, and, by all accounts, in the arcades. The rugby was excellent, the tackling was committed, and the sportsmanship was the kind that makes coaches quietly forget how early they had to get up on Saturday morning. Coaches from other clubs made a point of coming over to comment on how our teams played and, just as importantly, how they carried themselves. That means a great deal. We are incredibly proud of every single one of them.

U7s — Tigers Challenge 2026
The weekend marked a landmark moment for seven members of our U7 squad, who made their very first trip as players to Bognor Regis for the legendary Tigers Challenge at Butlins. With families and coaches arriving at various points on Friday evening, the tour kicked off in fine style as players, parents and coaching staff made the most of everything the resort had to offer, building the anticipation before the real action got underway the next day.

Sadly, one of our seven travellers was struck down by illness overnight and couldn't take part in any of the matches, a genuinely cruel blow. The remaining six showed their mettle, though, taking to the pitch on Saturday for three hard-fought matches against Tring, Ironsides Comets and hosts Bognor, before three more on Sunday against Ironsides Churchill, Ashford and Witney.

All teams benefited from some generous refereeing, which kept the rugby flowing, the tries coming and the smiles wide. While no official scores were recorded, as is the spirit of the game at this age, don't be fooled. The players were keeping a very close, and very respectful, eye on how things were going out on the pitch.

On the field, there was plenty to shout about. The defending and tagging were at times outstanding, while in attack the ball carriers showed real hunger, running hard, running direct and occasionally producing something a little more inspired around the outsides. Individual scores were celebrated, but the moments that really set the coaches' pulses racing were the multi-phase passages of play where every single player had a hand in creating a try. That's what proper teamwork looks like, and they delivered it in every match.

When things didn't go to plan, as they sometimes don't, every player showed terrific discipline and resilience in dusting themselves off and getting straight back into it. At this age, that kind of character is every bit as important as anything that happens with ball in hand.

Above all, the weekend gave the squad the chance to put everything they've worked on all season into practice, and they grabbed it with both hands. Across all six games they embodied the core values of rugby in a way that made everyone on the touchline enormously proud. The effort, communication and sportsmanship on display were a real testament to how far this group has come this season.

By Sunday afternoon, with the rugby, swimming, ice creams and arcades all done and dusted, everyone, players, parents and coaches, were happily worn out in the very best way. The weekend was rounded off in some style with an awards ceremony featuring music, lasers and fireworks, a spectacular end to what was a truly unforgettable first tour for the whole group.

Well done to everyone involved, and here's hoping to see you all again, and a few new faces, on next season's tour.

U8s — Tigers Challenge 2026
We took two U8 teams, the Falcons and the Eagles, down to Bognor Regis for the Tigers Challenge this past weekend, and came away with plenty of smiles (and some very tired kids… and parents!).

Four games on Saturday, three on Sunday, and somehow the weather played ball. No small win for April.

On the pitch, both teams were excellent. Loads of running rugby, plenty of tries, and some really brave defending. They left nothing out there. You could see confidence growing with every game, players backing themselves and looking for support.

Off the pitch, the energy didn't drop much. Back at Butlin's Bognor Regis, there was still enough in the tank for the fairground, arcades and pool. Plenty of new friendships made and great to see the TJ group mixing away from rugby.

Thanks to our coaching team, parents, guardians and, most importantly, our players for all contributing to an outstanding weekend away.

U9s — Tigers Challenge 2026
What a weekend for our U9s! We sent two teams, the Lions and the Boars, to the minis tour, and both squads came back with their heads held high. Coaches from across the tournament were full of praise for the quality of their tackling and passing, noting how strong and well-conditioned both teams looked. But the comments that made our coaches proudest weren't about skill alone; they were about teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship. Both the Lions and the Boars earned full FairPlay marks on multiple occasions, a reflection of everything we try to build in our young players.

For many of our U9s, this weekend marked the first time scores and winning truly mattered, and it was wonderful to watch. A competitive streak emerged that nobody knew was quite there yet; fierce, determined, and completely joyful. And not once did it come at the cost of the brilliant sportsmanship that has become a hallmark of our club. That balance is something special, and these young players showed it beautifully.

The Boars had a particularly exceptional weekend, going the entire tour without losing a single game. On Saturday they swept their pool, beating Tring, Old Alleyn, and Chichester to finish top. Sunday brought stiffer competition in the form of Veseyans, Teddington, and Brighton, but the Boars were not to be beaten. The rugby on display was genuinely exciting to watch. One moment that stood out was seeing the team use every inch of the pitch, moving the ball through all six players to finish with a try. Another came when a TJs player showed tremendous awareness and grit, getting himself under an opposing player who had the ball to hold up the try and keep TJs ahead. Moments like those don't come from coaching alone; they come from character.

The Lions were equally stunning throughout. Saturday saw them lose to Chichester, but they bounced back strongly. Sunday opened with a cracking local derby against Tunbridge Wells RFC, a game the Lions edged by just one try. They went on to draw against Old Alleynians and end on a win against Chiswick, ending the day level on points with Tunbridge Wells. But having beaten them so convincingly earlier in the day, our Lions were crowned Pool Winners, a thoroughly deserved result.

As one U9 parent summed it up rather elegantly:
To Bognor Regis the minis did tour,
The boars with a grunt, the lions a roar.
The oppo did tremble, the ball did abandon.
As the TJs minis, left no child still standing.
The results involved medals and trophies were raised.
By refs, parents and coaches, our children were praised.
The children or adults, who had more fun?
The question still stood as we basked in the sun.
A triumphant return, the kids wanted to stay.
A wonderful tour they were all heard to say.

U11s — Tigers Challenge 2026
The U11's enjoyed an awesome last Butlin's tour at Bognor.

Playing in the largest age group category at the competition, the team played some fantastic rugby to secure 1st place in their group on the Saturday, qualifying for the top group on Sunday out of 44 teams. Sunday was a tough day against the other best sides and following a really well-fought match against Diss, we struggled with the overall champions in the second match. However the boys bounced back emphatically winning the last game of the day and tournament convincingly.

All the boys contributed on the pitch, playing with heart, passion and skill. They worked hard and created a great team spirit, helped by the hours playing together in the Arcades!
A fantastic weekend in the sunshine will stay in the memories of all who were there.