This was our first visit to Widnes and hopefully won't be our last as we had a great day out.

It's fair to say that today was faced with some trepidation and anxiety, not by the players, but by the parents! It was the children's first proper game of contact and such a big step up from tag.

Game 1 - 1st Half
Players: Jacob, Lee, Ali, Charlie B, George, Henry and Sam F
Both teams started well and produced some good rugby. Henry got involved in attack and defence ably supported by Ali, with Lee and Charlie providing some muscle in the middle of the pitch. Some great runs from Sam, Jacob and George saw Collegiate on the attack most of the time. Charlie got 2 tries using his power and skill and finished off the half with a great run and score.

2nd Half
Players: Harry, Dom, Lenny, Ethan, Josh, Charlie L and Sam L

Collegiate kept up the work rate from the 1st half but Widnes fought back and the 2nd half proved a tight affair. The half was dominated by great tackling by both sides with Sam, Josh, Charlie and Harry involved in the action, Lenny, Ethan and Dom were always in support in defence. Dom playing in his first ever match surpassed himself. Sam L ran in 4 tries, each one a testament to his pace and skill (his footwork is that good he could be the next rugby player on Strictly Come Dancing!!) A great first game with collegiate running out winners 7-4.

Game 2 - 1st Half
Players: Sam L, Henry, CharlieB, Charlie L, Ethan, Lenny and Jacob

The sides were changed for the 2nd game and Collegiate fielded a big strong team. Some great running from Lenny, Henry and Charlie B and great tackling from Charlie L and Ethan. The highlight of the half was our smallest player Jacob taking out their biggest player in the tackle of the day (not bad for his first ever competitive game)!!! Both sides gave it their all and thanks to 4 tries from Sam L, Collegiate got their noses in front.

2nd Half
Players: Harry, Ali, George, Josh, Lee, Dom and Sam F

The second half was a tight affair and both sides attacked and defended really well, defense coming out on top on most occassions. Harry, Ali, Josh and George were in the thick of the action, Dom, Lee and Sam F covered a lot of ground, plugging gaps and stopping attacks. Sam F ran in the only Collegiate try of the second half but 2 great runs from Harry and Josh saw us go very close to 2 morel.

Another marvellous game with Collegiate coming out on top with a narrow 5-4 victory.

The final whistle blew, both teams shook hands and that was it, our first game of contact over. I think coaches and parents alike breathed a collective sigh of relief that it was all over without incident or injury. The players, well they were bouncing and every one of them looked as pleased as punch. The boys did themselves proud.

Every one of the players got involved and the commitment and effort that went into tackling was heartening. There were many outstanding performances but Man of the Match went to Ali for his all round game in defense and attack, well done Ali.

Back in the clubhouse the gourmet menu included chicken nugget fajitas and chocolate doughnuts, which the kids seemed to enjoy!!! Thanks to Mick for refereeing the games. It's not always easy refereeing children (don't we know it) but he was calm, clear and fair and the children responded well to him.

Thanks to Mike Feeley, his players and all at Widnes RUFC for the warm welcome and great games. Thanks to all the parents for their support and for Jon Lingwood for the fantastic photos :-)