In a festival where despite there being a massive 4 pools in the age group and rules meaning games would be stopped at 6 tries and matches were 5 minutes each way, Braintree Under 10's were undeterred and ready to do their best to succeed.

In match 1 against Thurrock, the boys needed no time to wake up. They started their first game from the off with power and pressure. Jack Raine was a space invader, scoring the opening try in the first 30 seconds of the game. With dummy passes and terrific tackling, the boys were consistent and the match was stopped at 6-0 to Braintree.

Match 2 against Romford was inspired. Consistency thrived. Nathan Bossert was a marvel at holding the ball up, George Clarke continued to incept with ingenuity, devilish driving from Samuel Everitt, not to mention reliable rucking from Sam Smith. The squad was on fire and the opposition could not get out of their own half. The final score, 6-0 to Braintree.

Match 3 against Chingford looked like it was going to be a tough one. The start was a bit messy, but true to form our boys shook themselves off and normal play resumed quickly. With solid low tackles from Sam Waud, Matthew Brooks and Mack Darroch and great teamwork passing the ball smoothly along the line, it was 4-0 to Braintree by half time. The final score line was 6-0, including a Jack Raine hat-trick!

Match 4 was against home team Upminster and they were desperate to beat us. But no luck! They were up against the best and with great teamwork Braintree Under 10's flourished. Dynamic driving, tremendous tackling and perfect passing from Braintree sealed their fate. Another 6-0 victory for Braintree.

So, to the Semi-Final against Eton Manor who the boys have met and beaten a couple of times over this season. It was a well fought first half.
Tantalising tackling from Alfie Davis, Max Barnes-Grimes and Sam Ball, great communication between the boys overall allowing them to see and use the holes left by the opposition. Great play facilitating Oscar Letch in scoring 5 of the 6 tries of the match, with the only other try being scored by George Clarke bringing another outstanding 6-0 victory.

A lot of nail biting went on in the lead up to and during the final, which was against rivals Brentwood. We all knew that Braintree's Under 10's deserved the cup with a clean sheet of wins, but the sun was hot and the boys were getting tired. When Brentwood put the ball over the line, there was a deep sigh. But, the decision went the wrong way for Brentwood, as their scrum half picked up the ball and ran, so the try was disallowed. Braintree took this and used it, they well and truly turned the pressure on. This became the only game that went the full 5 minutes each way. Brentwood tried to break the boys down, but to no avail, by half time Braintree were 1-0 up. There was a fire in their bellies and the second half was electric. With only two tries in the whole match it was entirely nerve racking. But those tries were scored by our boys, Oscar Letch and George Clarke. Together through seriously hard work and determination, the whole squad played a part in this victory. They worked consistently to bring home the Essex Festival Cup 2014 and became champions for the 3rd year in a row.

We are so so proud of our Under 10's, they do themselves, their coaches and the club a tremendous service, not to mention their parents! They truly are a force to be reckoned with and we wish them continued success in whatever they do and especially for the next season.

Braintree Under 10's, you are the deserved 2014 Essex Festival Winners.