First up was Winchester. Winchester executed a well worked try making good use of their wings. Having conceded an early try, Ensians dug deep and nearly pulled out the equaliser that they richly deserved. Ivy Bridge was the next team. They have assembled a good team and both sides played at the top of their games. Ensians attacked in wave after wave and only some last minute defending from Ivy Bridge saved their unbeaten run from October. Frustration at yet another game without a try probably contributed to a mild case of handbags after the game, but that was quickly resolved in the play offs against Basingstoke.

From the kick off Josh received the ball and sliced through the Basingstoke defence. The team relaxed and stopped tensing up. Suddenly the U-12’s looked like they were enjoying themselves and altogether more comfortable moving the ball around. It wasn’t long before John followed up with his usual steely determination and scored a second. Ensians were now playing their best rugby of the season. There were more passes than an edition of Mastermind with Katie Price. Tackling, often an area of weakness, was now a strong point and it was no surprise that Josh followed up with a third try.

Once again Ensians were placed against Ivy Bridge in the Semi-Finals. Having played out a tough nil nil earlier, this was always going to be a difficult match to call. One lapse of concentration and Ivy Bridge pulled off a try. It proved to be decisive. Ivy Bridge knew they had been in a huge battle and their victory meant a lot to them.

Every player today showed determination, skill and focus. Many also showed considerable courage and have the bruises, aches and pains to show for this but will have the Easter holiday to recover before moving on to the tour at Weymouth.