The new year has begun, and what a season it is going to be. The squad is positively bursting with enthusiasm, talent and the sheer numbers of players. 

The squad is full of all sorts of characters. Big Dan, who still tackles around the legs despite his size. Cameron, who does not like losing. Drew, who leaps around the place. Natasha and Rosie, who will take on any boy and win, just like Martha will. Barney, Will, George, Edward, Gabriel and newcomer Thomas, who run and run. Ben and Luke, who tackle at boot-lace level and from whom there is no escape. The twins, who are unstoppable 5 yards from the tryline (but which one was it?). The Sams, two of our muscular ball winners. James, who is taking a break just now. Magnus, who unfolds his arms to race up the wing and score (despite his injuries; although not-quite-so-big Dan's injuries from K2 were even more impressive). Others who love racing over the tryline, like the Harry's (one shaggy, one smiley) and Zak. The sturdy Alex, Eoin and Matthew. Max, Oliver and Sebastian, who are looking the wrong way one moment then racing up the field with the ball in their hands the next. And last but not least Georgia, a little toughie whose mended broken arm will hopefully stay mended, and who shares her chocolate bars with the coaches ... what more could one ask for? 

Thanks to Matt, who actually knows a thing or two, the coaching seems to be working. It is great fun. 

And have you all noticed what I have noticed? Although they are friendly and some of them may even be quite clever, on the whole the parents are a big, ugly lot (obviously I am only referring to the men when I say this). But the point is, this bodes very well for the team's future.

 

Rory