On a cold yet vibrant Sunday morning late November, 11 valliant young Upton Under 10's poured out of their parent's vehicles to get a taste of some legendary Forest of Dean air. As they tasted the stale, residual air from the previous day's senior match in the changing room, with it's "tape confetti" landscape, and discarded deodourants, there was a sense of relish at the prospect of doing business... 2 matches against Drybrook
But my goodness, were Drybrook ready for us! Seven-nil we went down in the first game to a mauling and maurauding set of forwards and a set of backs who knew theri place.
In one sense it was melancholic to see the beauty of Upton U10's unfettered innocence, so often bestowed upon a team in its infancy, being smashed! There were long sad eyes and tears everywhere - the parents were inconsolable!
What can one say at the interval? Knowing that another onslaught is imminent in the second match...
To this day I still don't know what was said to big Josh.. but somthing erked him.
From the re-start Josh took route one! Plus anyone and everyone in his way... and all the way to the try line.
The fuse was ignited, on the pitch and on both touchlines. What followed was a try frenzy from one end to the other. Players of seemingly weak disposition in the first match grew whiskas. Josh did it again, over the line with 4 on his back; George powered through the lot of them like a man possessed - determined to do the only thing he could do - follow Josh's inspiration down Route ONE. Nathan, from the side of a brilliantly won ruck accelerated like an impala, ran 25 yards and dived from 3 yards out with an air of Shane Williams. Young Brady, on the back of a rampaging charge from James with many in support found space, head down and a double pirouette went over..... and there were more - many more - too many moments of valiant effort to mention.
Drybrook were dumbed at the difference yet manfully raised their game only to find us matching them on every score.
Final whistle cut the deadlock with victory for Drybrook 7 tries to 6 but Upton emerged triumphant in every way imaginable. If there was a rugby discovery to be made by some, it was here on this cold Autumn day at Drybrook. Truly unforgettable!
Welcome to the wonderfully cathartic world of rugby.
Man of the match Josh Harper - the Upton Rhino!
Well done team
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