Hastings & Bexhill's U10s and U11s continued their busy run of festival rugby on Sunday, travelling to Crawley to test themselves against some strong opposition.

Both age groups experienced demanding rugby but produced plenty of moments that demonstrated how their skills, decision-making and teamwork are developing.

U10s Find Their Fight
It wasn't the start to the festival the U10s had hoped for, with both teams taking a little while to find their rhythm.

A little pep talk from the coaches helped provide the spark, and from there the response was impressive. The intensity increased, the players became more competitive and H&B began producing some of their best rugby of the day.

It was a physical festival, with some huge tackles going in from both sides of the ball, but alongside the physicality were some excellent individual skills and increasingly impressive team play.

The newly christened 'Chaos Cousins' Isaiah and Maison combined to great effect, while Ellie, Dylan and Hugo produced one of the moments of the festival with a superb piece of combination play that looked suspiciously like a rehearsed set move — and the coaches are adamant it definitely wasn't a fluke!

There were standout contributions from Hugo J, Dylan, Frank and Maison, but perhaps the most encouraging aspect was seeing the players begin to work together and create opportunities as a team.

After three consecutive weekends of festival rugby, the U10s now have plenty to take back to the training pitch as they return home to continue their development.

A special thank you also goes to the parents, carers and families. From the early-morning drives and snack bags to the sweets, touchline encouragement and occasional requirement to keep the coaches calm, their support throughout the festival run has been invaluable.

U11s Impress Against Quality Opposition
The U11s also produced a series of impressive performances at Crawley, combining aggressive defence, strong breakdown work and excellent team spirit.

H&B looked to put their opposition under pressure from the outset, with quick defensive pressing and disciplined work at the ruck helping them compete strongly at the collision and create turnover opportunities.

One passage in particular demonstrated just how far the group's rugby is progressing.

An excellent team attack was finished with a superb cross-field kick into space on the wing, creating the opportunity for a brilliantly worked try and earning a deserved reaction from the touchline.

It was a piece of rugby that combined awareness, execution and teamwork — exactly the type of decision-making the players are beginning to develop as they progress through the age grades.

Across the festival, the U11s showed plenty of grit and determination against strong opposition, remaining competitive throughout.

More importantly, their attitude and togetherness — both on and off the pitch — stood out once again and made for another positive day for the squad.

With another festival weekend completed, both age groups return to Hastings with plenty to work on, but also plenty of evidence that the hard work on the training field is translating into their rugby.