Sandal festival is always a special moment in the season. With so many clubs, players and supporters at our own ground, there's a buzz of activity, excitement and enjoyment even before the first whistle. That anticipation was duly delivered on!

It's been a steep learning curve for the U9s. Coming into contact rugby after two seasons of tag has meant a lot of new skills to learn, and a new understanding of the game in how to use them, all in barely a month - but they've taken to the challenge with gusto. With more than twenty other teams to play against, the Festival was a great opportunity to see how they measured up.

The whole squad can be proud of both their skills and their efforts on a long day. Several opposition coaches complimented Sandal on their competitiveness and attitude (positive and determined but fair); opinions which Sandal's own U9 coaches can only agree. All three teams played cohesively, supported each other enthusiastically both in attack and defence, and showed increasingly good organisation.

Thank you to everyone involved in the Festival, to the players and parents (including those involved in volunteering), and to the many other clubs who made it such a fantastic day.