There was a rugby pilgrimage as U12s and U14s set off for a bright a breezy rugby club to write some Canterbury Tales of their own. It has to be said that it was excellent that for the second week running, both U14 and U12 were co-located which added to the feeling camaraderie on the away trip.

So a rather depleted TJs U12 arrived and warmed up on the sponsor adorned top pitch. Missing some who were ski-ing, and others whose mothers still prefer the company of their lads to a bit of peace and quiet(!) and a couple of injuries to boot, but 16 was a good number, and again, as it turned out showed up well against the boys of Canterbury.

The format of the game was four quarters of 10 minutes - Canterbury's mothers obviously prefer their sons out of the house and so they fielded two teams, with subs. Therefore first 10, one team out, second 10, subs on, third 10, completely new team and fourth 10, more subs. TJs opted for a rolling sub strategy and a couple of drinks breaks.

Relle skippered today and lost the customary rock, paper scissors and Canterbury opted to receive. Relle smartly opted to play into the breeze, but also downhill, evening up the elements. However, going downhill, TJs started with a bang, pressurising the kick receipt and robbing Canterbury in their '22'. Working the ball first left, then right, Lucas arced his way over for try number 1. Esprit-Tabiowo was the next on the scoresheet as he was left just enough space to work his magic. Canterbury were game, but when TJs are in this kind of mood on a firm track in dry conditions, it will take a good team to get close, and many times the home side were chasing shadows. J.Beamish was next on the scoresheet as he nipped in close the ruck. The competition for the 9 shirt is definitely a strong point at TJs as the ball was getting to Streeten-Smith at 10 with efficiency and efficacy. The TJs fly-half was also having another authoritative game, helped by an armchair ride from the pack it has to be said, but he drew special praise from the watching opposition coaches. Esprit-Tabiowo was on the scoresheet next for his brace, swiftly followed by Osher and then Vincent. It has been a feature of the play that so many of Tjs tries have been scored by our outside backs, but Vincent is such a weapon from the back and loose kicks in his direction were just eaten up today and returned with interest. Esprit-Tabiowo's play moving from blindside to open, making up numbers showed he is maturing into this TJs side, and is showing his coachability too.

Relle got on the scoresheet next, chalking one up for the forwards, who were industrious today and the calls of 'Ice' and 'Fire' again showed maturity to our play that really told on the pitch, with Canterbury unable to get much change from the breakdown. The likes of Bates, S.Beamish and R.Cooper doing the dog work in the tight, and Wallis racing to breakdowns out wide. Tjs rotated players on throughout the game, J 'the gumshield' Cooper joining on one wing, and Griffith in the centre. Griffith finding his feet and making good defensive shots from that position. Griffith really responded well today to being in a more experienced backline and looked settled playing with the likes of Hartley (who quietly had a great game today) and Lucas - this pair particularly miserly in defence. J.Cooper got on the ball and made good ground and also warmed to the task of tackling as the game went on. Wheeler came on on the other wing to J.Cooper and also had a turn in the pack. Vincent scored TJs final try of the half to level up his personal battle with Esprit-Tabiowo, but Canterbury finished the half with a try of their own, driving up the left hand side of the pitch and taking advantage of a TJs side perhaps concentrating on getting into the sheds at half time.

Mother's day had served up a heck of a try-feast with 9 tries in that first 20.

The second half wasn't so prolific, but Tjs were going uphill, and the game was really in the bag. McIvor became more prominent and started to work well, involving himself in the rucks and the nitty-gritty of forward play. Another TJ who really benefitted from the players around him today - there was some great leadership from Relle and Bates particularly and Relle's suddenly remembering footwork has added another dimension to his carrying and he made great yards today. Cobb was thrown in in another experimental position today, adding to the competition for that 9 shirt and looked good for his first match in that position - TJs not missing a beat with seamless transition of half-backs. Streeten-Smith picked up a small knock to the bonce, which brought Vincent in at 10 and some other positional swappery gave Lucas a go at 15 too, all adding to the variety of experience today's match allowed. Tries from the back three to the fore once more though, with Osher the first to score after half time, to put add his name to the battle for tries before Esprit-Tabiowo eased into the lead in the contest with a completed hat-trick. Vincent looked to be having to settle for a brace before an opportunity arose for him to stretch his legs once more and get that magic 3 tries also. The forwards had the last word though, Relle taking advantage of some tired Canterbury tackling to reach the line with a swashbuckling run in the last play of the match, somewhat making up for his dropped ball in the last minute of the previous one!

Game finished 12 tries to 1, Canterbury never giving up and playing some really attractive stuff throughout, as well as being great hosts and great sports. Thanks to the referee on the day also.

I was totally proud of the lads today, and I was very proud that they stuck around and supported their club mates in the U14s, who stormed to a win also. GO TJs!