The end of the season jamboree at The Rec at Bath didn’t quite live up to its billing as Trowbridge U10s again were eliminated on a Golden Try at the end of the pool stages.

Trowbridge were drawn in a strong group with Pontypridd, Redruth, Bath and Salisbury and having learnt from the previous two festivals were determined to give a good account of themselves.

a Trowbridge v Pontypridd Not a fixture that you would normally see, and in the first half Trowbridge were shocked by the intensity and physicality of the Ponty team, who ran in 3 tries against a team that were rocked on their heels.

The team tried to pick themselves up but were knocked back in the tackle and given a lesson in rucking throughout the period. The halftime team talk by the coaches gave them no doubt as to what was needed in the second half to front up to the Welsh team and they responded to a man, putting in a great defensive and at times attacking effort.

Trowbridge worked back to their driving game, keeping play tight and making sure tackles were made. This resulted in no further scores.

A pressurised start and a challenge to pick themselves up for the rest of the matches. Notable performances by many of the players in the second half but particularly by David Phillips and Daniel Marsh-Jones in defence, with Will Thompson giving his all as usual.

Trowbridge 5 Redruth 5 Another very challenging match against classy opposition, Trowbridge started at a much better pace. The team were shocked by the intensity of the tournament but responded magnificently and moved the ball both tight into the forwards and out wide against Redruth, who appeared taken aback by the ferocity of the Trowbridge play.

As Trowbridge worked towards the Redruth line, Jamie Howell took his opportunity, driving over to round off great team play. After half time Redruth came back hard, again with a very physical approach that was matched hit for hit.

Eventually the Trowbridge defence cracked and the scores were tied. The game ebbed and flowed after that with no further score. Great work by the whole team, with the performance in defence particularly excellent to watch.

Trowbridge 15 Bath 0 It was imperative that Trowbridge took the game to Bath and recorded a win. The intensity they had experienced in the first two matches prepared them well as they hit the ground running, driving Bath up field from the off and making sure they didn’t get near the Trowbridge line. The mauling was strong and again defence was key to ensuring pressure was on the hosts.

This allowed Will Stockley to score three unanswered tries, all of which were made by great play from all those on the field. Will Thompson sparked the backs, running some training field moves and gaining ground.

An excellent performance from everyone on the field yet again, notably from the forwards where Ben Bishop, Cameron Chalmers and George Gerrish acquitted themselves well.

Trowbridge 30 Salisbury 0 Knowing that a win would provide the opportunity to match Redruth, the team went out with the determination and focus that has been their trademark all season.

It was soon evident that Salisbury had no answer to the Trowbridge firepower, with the forwards of Jacob Marshman, Lewis Saliba and Luke Dobson dominating the opposing pack and ensuring a steady stream of possession. Tries soon came, with Will Stockley's running and Jamie Howell sniping from the scrum causing problems for the opposition.

When Salisbury did try to run the ball back, tackling was excellent with Ryan Deeley putting in the hit of the day and his hit of the season. David Phillips again was secure as was Sam Gibbons who gave his all yet again. Tries came from Will Stockley (3), Jamie Howell (2) and Lewis Saliba.

The results meant a tie for second place in the group, which would have meant Trowbridge going through if the same rules had been applied as had been given for the knockout stages as they had scored first against Redruth.

Unfortunately that was not the case and the teams agreed to a golden try contest. Trowbridge showed a tiredness coming straight off the last game and Redruth scored within 3 minutes.

A good festival and one that Trowbridge can be justly proud of. Compared to other sides, we operate with a small squad and this means the way that Trowbridge compete is all the more impressive. Two wins, a draw and a loss against strong opposition.

They end the season with 44 games played, 31 won, 4 drawn and 9 lost. A great year and one we should all be proud of.

Trowbridge under 7’s came away from the Bath Festival 2009 with a solid second place, only losing to the festival winners Salisbury A in the final.

Trowbridge were drawn against hosts Bath B, Pontypridd, Redruth and Salisbury B in the group stage, when they drew against Pontypridd (2-2) beat Redruth (5-4) Bath B (5-4) and Salisbury B (7-4), which made them group leaders going through to the semi final.

In the semi final Trowbridge were drawn against Bath A. Trowbridge controlled the game with their strong defence and running in some excellent tries producing a 6-3 win.

Trowbridge faced Salisbury A in the final. Trowbridge again maintained a strong defence and with some superb runs presented a strong challenge for Salisbury . However Salisbury took the lead at the very end securing the narrowest of wins at (6-5). Well done and congratulations to all of the team, a good end for what has been an impressive first season.