In wars of attrition, numbers are important. Dings turned up with 28 players split into three squads to take on the U10 Knights, fielding an intrepid squad of 11.

The opening exchanges of the first quarter were hard fought and well organised. The Knights defensive line held strong under early pressure, led by Nicky and George tackling low and hard. Esmie and Ellis took turns to carry forward, but couldn't pierce the Dings dogged defence. Aster made a fast outside break but was dragged down, then Ollie's offload almost put George through.

When the opposition went wide, George and Megan put in a series of powerful cover tackles, closing the gaps which appeared after several defensive phases. Zac supported at the breakdown, retaining possession in attack. It was inspiring stuff. Eventually, the pressure told and Dings ran in two quick tries and a breakaway for a third to end a quarter which could have gone either way, and which Knights were unlucky not to win or draw.

The second quarter saw a fresh squad of Dings catch the Knights asleep at the restart - a sharp contrast to the alacrity of the defensive line in the first quarter. The organisation became more hit-and-miss on both sides, as the Knights managed to disrupt the Dings possession, but didn't work as a team in attack. Ellis took it upon himself to preserve the Knights dignity by breaking several tackles on his way to one try, and then selling a fine dummy to score a second.

By the third quarter, Knights were flagging and the fresh opposition exploited the gaps through the middle of the line. When they did have the ball, the Knights recycled well, with Aster winning several rucks, Ollie driving forward, and Megan testing the Dings defence out wide with several strong runs down the touchline.

The fourth quarter saw the Knights, depleted by injuries, face the strongest of the Dings' squads and the final efforts to stem the tide were creditable, if ultimately in vain.

Coaches and players can take many positives from the day - tackling, rucking and alignment were all much improved over recent weeks, and it was only the strength of the opposition which made the offensive line less potent.

Player of the match could have gone to any of six deserving candidates, and was awarded to Aster for her rucking and support play.

Feedback was received from Dings coach following the game, reporting our players got better as the games went on, showing real character and should be very proud of themselves,

Onwards and upwards Knights!

Kingswood RFC

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