There was a very quiet Sunday at the Club with all the Minis away at the Amersham and Chiltern Festival and a lot of the Junior Age Groups playing away as well. Scottish supporters within the Club were also a tad subdued.

Both the Colts and U17s were playing away, at Bishops Stortford RFC and Cheshunt RFC respectively. Both sides, however, were involved in very high scoring games. Traditionally Bishops Stortford put out very strong sides, but the Saracens Amateur Colts scored 45 points against them despite having a minimum number of players compared to Stortford’s full squad and bench. A valiant effort saw them just lose by 53 to 45.

The U17s were also suffering from injuries and low numbers, but at least rugby was played at Cheshunt, again high scoring but with Saracens Amateurs not being able to get the last score for victory, losing eventually by 41 to 35.

The U16s took part in the Brentwood Golden Boot Festival, playing 5 games in total, winning 4 and drawing 1. They did, however, come away with the Plate Trophy and the team that eventually won the Golden Boot was the team they drew with in the Pools.

The U14s were playing away at Fullerians RFC and they too were involved in a high scoring match, unfortunately not quite being able to tip the balance to win.

Despite some heavy rain on Saturday and overnight, the U13s were able to take over the main pitch and have a great mornings rugby against Old Albanians RFC., with full squads from both Clubs enjoying the rugby and both playing well. It was great to watch and it was evident that even at this early stage of the season our players are learning and progressing. It was great experience for them to play against well drilled OAs sides and they will benefit from the games and I am sure, go on and improve during the season.

All of the Minis were playing away at the Amersham and Chiltern Festival. Again, the rain did not dampen their enthusiasm and all Age Groups seem to have had a great time. A message from one of the Mini Fixture Secretaries yesterday I think reflects that. Steve Lightley comments………

‘’I hope you all had a great day of rugby at the Amersham festival yesterday. The U11s had some tough matches but I was hugely impressed with the discipline on and off the pitch especially in the games I ref’d. What I saw of the U9s they are taking well to the tackling game and their spirits were high right to the bitter and soggy end.’’

We have a full week at the Club this week, with the AGM on Wednesday at 7-30 PM and with our U17s playing under the floodlights on Friday against Old Grammarians RFC, kick off at 7-00 PM. Come along and enjoy the atmosphere and give them some support. The Saracens (1st XV) are also playing at home on Saturday against Mill Hill RFC in a league fixture after a couple of weeks break, coupled with World Cup Quarter Finals being televised. The Crusaders (2nd XV) are playing away at Watford RFC. On Sunday there is a full training schedule and one game for the U14s. We also have a couple of Saracen's Pro's Academy Players coming along to help.