Woodford U10s (Essex Rugby Festival)

DESPITE the tournament being played in atrocious conditions, the high standard of rugby played was a credit to all 16 clubs who took part.

Woodford U10s took a strong squad of 18 with high hopes of going one better than their runners up spot last year.

However it was not to be their day as, in the group stages, they came up against formidable opposition in the shape of Upminster (the eventual tournament winners) and Chelmsford.

The conditions worked against Woodford's expansive style of rugby and both matches were lost 10-0.

To their credit however the boys kept their spirits up and were unlucky not to win their final pool game when they drew 5-5 with the hosts, Westcliffe.

Woodford then easily overran Upper Clapton 20-0 in the Vase semi-final and drew 5-5 with Southend in the final.

The boys got to take home the silverware by virtue of scoring the first try in the final.

Woodford 10 Brentwood 0
(U16s Essex Cup semi-final) THE conditions certainly didn't suit Woodford but the Highams men showed the type of determination that has already made them league champions.

Playing into the wind, their forwards matched the heavier Brentwood pack, with Tim Robinson and Andrew Hutchinson matching the physicality of the opposition.

The Highams men patiently worked their way up the pitch.

The back row of Zander Ross, Simon Page and Regan Phillips where outstanding.

Having set up a good position just short of the Brentwood's line, Woodford moved a quick ball out wide to winger Will Degen who scored just before half time.

In the second period, intelligent play from Richard Dodd and Rory Uwins, pegged Brentwood back.

Eli Dias who had come on as a front row replacement made an immediate impact with several big tackles, and David Spencer and Tom Giles provided fresh legs that meant Woodford continued to arrive first at the breakdowns.

Brentwood defended well and continued to look dangerous, but solid defence from centres Carl Dobrin and Tim Benton kept them at bay.

The game was decided by a try from captain Joe Barnes.

Chingford beat Thurrock 14-6 in the other semi-final, to set up a rematch of last year's Essex Cup final, which will be played on March 30.