With the sun shining hot, the hard ground and some tough competition from around Sussex, our minis section made the club proud this weekend at Uckfield Festival to finish off the season!

Under 7's
WOW! What a way to end our first festival season for the H&B U7's! The development of each individual was on full display today in every single game, demonstrating the enormous growth the whole team has made this season.

Running lines, supporting team mates and tagging was witnessed in abundance. Growth of players understanding and knowledge of the game led to them running supporting lines, receiving the ball in the right place and scoring tries at every opportunity. Huge thanks top our 3 coaches Woody, Matt and Chris to allow our young people to thrive throughout these festivals. The biggest thanks goes to our parents, guardians, nans & grandads, aunts & uncles to name a few, for supporting all the members of the team and driving miles so the team can play!

Under 8's
The U8's completed their last festival wearing tags at today's festival. They should all be exceptionally proud, their ability to play as a whole team, their record number of turnovers continued and they were unstoppable.

Special mention to Stanley who eyes a dropped ball like a magpie, but was also doing some brilliant long passing, looking for who had space to run for the try. Compliments from other coaches were coming in to us about our players and that's really special. As manager and coaches we are lucky to have great supporters in our parents, and we are really pleased in how the players have developed in the game but also as a team. Congratulations to all our players for what you have achieved this season.

Under 9's
What a way to round off an incredible season for our U9's! With most of our girls representing the club at Twickenham, our two teams worked tirelessly in the blazing sun to make themselves and the club super proud.

Getting off to a brilliant start, our players showed off all the skills they have learned throughout the season with incredible displays of teamwork in attacking, players always running in support and quick offloads to keep the ball in hand. Defensively we were unbeatable, putting in some huge hits, supporting each other in tackles and winning numerous turnovers. One match even had three tackle turnovers before we eventually scored a try to end the play - a match that had comments from other coaches and parents saying it was the best rugby they had seen all year! Our teams walked away tired but ecstatic with some of the best rugby we have seen. Shout outs go to Maison and Isaiah who captained their teams and to Toby for always being a demon in defence!

Finally a huge thank you to all the parents, guardians and carers who not only get the kids to training every week, but drive across the County. Our sideline really is the best with you all supporting not just your child, but the whole team and the positivity and endless laughs really make our team better - thank you and here's to scrums, rucks and mauls in September!

Under 10's
The U10's did us proud at their final festival of the year, playing some great rugby against some very high quality opposition. The final encounter of the day saw us up against East Grinstead - and it was certainly no gentle send off! Despite a number of heavy knocks, the squad soldiered on - with our players unbowed and determined to match their oppositions intensity throughout.

The squad have made fantastic progress this year and we are looking forward to next season; everyone seems very excited by the main rule change for U11's - kicking! Our biggest challenge may be keeping the ball in hand next year!

As ever, a big thank you to all the parents and carers for not only ferrying your children all over the county - but equally importantly, bringing tremendous positive energy. we have a squad of brilliant human beings - which makes Sunday morning training so much easier! Onwards and upwards to our final year of minis rugby!

Under 11's
What an end to our season!

Today we saw the potential in all these players. Hard work, bravery, strength, speed, skill, listening and learning and when it came to it, the killer instinct. In our 4 games we gave Tunbridge Wells 3 a real fight, Uckfield showed us how it’s done, Eastbourne did not get a look in as all our boys were on fire and Tunbridge Wells 2 had a harder closer game than they expected. Next time we’ll show them!

Proud of every player today and how they have developed over one season. The players deserve to think they are winning material for next season.
The squad would be have been nowhere without the support, back up and huge enthusiasm of the parents, grandparents, family members, chauffeurs and coaching assistants.
Roll on September 2026 ( and summer training....)

“BOOM!! What a way to end the season!! All the boys were absolute superstars today and have been all season and a big thank you from all the coaches and I for making this just
the best ever, proud isn't a big enough word!!! Well done all and see you next week “
Scaife

“This has been my favourite year by far, great kids”
Phil H

What the parents had to say about today:
“This has been my favourite year by far, great kids”
“They've turned into such a good team”
“Sammy had a great day today. He has loved his first season of rugby and is really sad it’s come to an end, particularly as he is starting to get into his stride. Thank you all coaches, boys and parents for making him so welcome this year.”
“The boys played like winners today!”
“That third game was amazing! Milo and I are so excited for the next season! Thank you coaches, you are fab! “
“Today was amazing to watch! 3rd game was by far my favourite this year. Can’t wait for the next season with you all! Well done boys, coaches and parents “