The good old British weather didn’t dampen spirits at the St Andrew’s Prep rugby festival last weekend. The festival is competitive, but the importance of team spirit, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship was the order of the day. As a result, the atmosphere was terrific and the teams left tired, happy and very, very muddy.

Under 9's
Hastings & Bexhill RFC Under 9's took two teams to the St Andrews Prep festival - Team 'Saxons' and Team 'Normans'.

Each and every player gave 100%, and both teams did brilliantly in their pools - demonstrating fantastic team work throughout. Most pleasing of all was the sterling sportsmanship shown by both teams - with parents from other teams commenting on just how impressed they were with the care our children showed when other players were injured - showing what Rugby is really all about.

A special mention as well to our 'players of the tournament' - Arlo and Eddie, who were both absolutely outstanding throughout - proving dynamic in attack and fearless in defence.

A great day was had by all - our thanks as well to the people at St Andrews School who were fantastic hosts.

Under 10's
Hastings & Bexhill U10's took 3 teams to the magnificent St Andrews Prep festival.

The Gladiators team played 5 games of rugby and were unbeaten in all. Special mention to Ted, who in his first season of rugby scored a hat trick in one game and took home player of the festival for the Gladiators.

The other two teams, Warriors and Tigers, showed the true spirit of rugby and often helped each other out during matches. Both teams never quit and played with a smile throughout. This festival really saw the U10s grow in terms of resilience. The bond and commitment on show by the kids was superb to see.

The U10s have a large pool of new kids who never stop trying and are always smiling. The coaches were blown away by the kids performance at this festival.