Under 6s
The U6's continue to build on their fundamentals with this week's training focusing on team work. We continue to implement small, short game play situations to enable our squad to develop their game understanding and knowledge. All players have demonstrated real growth and can demonstrate the skills they have gained throughout the season. With only a few weeks left, Coaches Matt and Chris can't wait to extend this at next weeks session.

Under 7s
H&B Under 7s took 2 teams to a brilliantly sunny Lewes festival last weekend. With several players on their first tournament experience and 2 others on only their second, the squads supported each other fantastically.

Great teamwork was seen by all. Everyone made the most of the game time, as we had good numbers so everyone had to sub out at some point, but no grumbling from the squads as everyone enjoyed their time and they were able to keep their energy high. Signs of improvements from last week were seen as they begin to put their festival experience in to practice. Great listening was noted by the coaches and H&B created lots of turn over balls through interceptions and played great tagging games.

Under 8's
Our Under 8's managed to put forward 3 teams (Red, Blue & White) for this weeks' festival at Lewes with huge support from players, coaches and parents.

Red Team coach Benoit says '4 games today with a brand new team and a mixture of performances. The Red team showed resilience and teamwork. At one point during a match the team were 4-2 down, but they pulled themselves together after halftime (and the addition of some bibs) and turned things around to create a win by 6-5. We still have some defensive work to be done at training, however overall it was a positive day, with a combination of great teamwork and moments of individual brilliance.

White Team coach Andy says ' We played 4 equally matched games, won 3 and drew 1 against Eastbourne in a very tight final match. Under Toby's captaincy, the team pulled together well with some great shows of support in attack and a number of tag turnovers. Some great individual runs by Louie and fearless tackles by Dylan and Tom. Aidan, Toby, Sebastian and Emily all scored standout tries and Emily was awarded player of the tournament for a powerful performance at her first festival and really demonstrating rugby values.

The Blue Team coaches Mike and Terri say ' The Blue Team worked hard at Lewes winning 3 of 4 matches. The teamwork on display with link plays and overlaps was exhilarating to watch and players really worked hard on ensuring that teamwork was at the forefront of play. Jasper ES and Frank showed courage breaking through defensive lines, while Hugo surprised with lots of sharp runs down the wing. Captain Isobel and Nickie brought energy to the team with plenty of short, sharp runs into the opposition while providing some exemplary offloads. Max and Rupert gave the team some of the best support runs we have seen, providing numerous tries for the team. An additional shout out to Isobel who captained her team brilliantly with pep talks and brilliant management skills.

Under 9's
H&B took two under 9s teams to the festival at Lewes, and once again they did us all proud. Both teams faced high quality teams in their respective pools but were unfazed throughout and showed great team spirit and tenacity. A special mention must go to Fin and Jesse – both of whom were making their debuts for H&B, having never played in a festival before and each only having a handful of training sessions under their belt. Both did tremendously well, with fellow coaches commenting that they couldn’t believe that they had never played rugby before!

Playing against Seaford, one play particularly stands out in the memory. Absorbing tackle after tackle, the 9s stood fast and used effective line speed to stand firm. With the ref having seemingly forgotten the ‘7 tackle turnover’ rule – the attacks kept coming but so did the tackles! On several occasions, team efforts by H&B players turned tackles into effectively driving mauls - not something you often see at this level. Eventually, after 14+ tackles our 9s managed to turn the ball over and swept forward in a lovely attacking play featuring side steps and off-loads galore - scoring in the corner. The Uckfield coach who was officiating the game loudly commented "that was the best piece of under 9s rugby I have ever seen"!

To cap it all off, Cora also deserves a mention as she stepped up right at the very end of the festival to volunteer for more game time - helping the Uckfield team that had just suffered an injury and didn't have any substitutes available. A really good example of the true spirit of Rugby!

All in all, it was a great day and the 9s are all looking forward to their next festival in two weeks time.