Yesterday Crowborough RFC hosted the U16’s Sussex Harlequins tournament with Clubs from across Sussex participating. The tournament was set up for representatives of Harlequins youth academy to see local talent

The pitches and facilities in general were amazing, as always too many thank yous to mention, but particular shout outs go to the Friday Club, Louise, Jacqui and the team, U16 parents and squad members for car parking duties and marshalling and Ben Pollard the club rugby development officer and Harlequins representative for organising and getting Crowborough RFC’s talent in front of Sussex and Harlequins.

After 18 months out from competitive fixtures the U16’s came into the tournament with only a couple of competitive games under their belts, however with commitment from all the lads they continued to train and play together throughout the summer, joining the adults in Touch rugby , then participating in the summer fitness sessions before joining up with the Colts at the start of the season with Academy training. The effort paid off as every squad member was available for selection (Barr two long-standing injuries) and confidence was high going into the tournament despite playing clubs they had previously lost to.

Playing all their games on the main pitch in from of the home crowd the lads dug deep to draw their first game against Hastings & Bexhill.

Games against Pulborough, Seaford, Eastbourne and Horsham all saw impressive wins resulting in an unbeaten day at Steel Cross.

It is hard to pick out individual stars as this was a squad effort and I am sure the talent on show was duly noted, but a special shout out must go to Hamilton, Jamie, Lewis and Harry from the U15s who all play up into the U16’s and made massive contributions on the pitch.

Well done once again Crowborough RFC, rugby is the winner