Sandal took 13 under-7s up to Keighley at the weekend, where they faced just 4 home players. As a result, we split the Sandal squad into three, dished the bibs out and played some intra-club matches while the third Sandal team played Keighley. Full credit to the players for continuing to give it their best, even in what might have felt like a glorified training session when playing against their own team-mates, and despite the changeable and blustery weather. Once again, the quality of play continues to improve week on week. As well as the running rugby that's been lovely to watch all year, and the increasingly-solid defensive skills, the players are becoming increasingly comfortable to pass in-play, to have the awareness of when to make a pass, and to make and take the pass cleanly and quickly. One particular highlight was a beautiful try-making offload to capitalise on a two-on-one advantage. The support running, the pass, the vision and imagination - it's so nice when it all comes together as it did then.

As we had some time spare after the games against Keighley, we consolidated the three teams into two and did some 6-a-side training to get a bit of a feel for what it'll be like in the U8s next season. Again, the signs are very encouraging.

Many thanks to the parents and players for making the long trip up to Keighley, and to the home team for hosting, for their food and for making a match (or matches) of it despite what must have been a challenging season for them.