Peter Pullin Mini Rugby Tournament

Sunday 2^nd April 2006

St. Bernadette’s under 12’s the current champions of the Peter Pullin Tournament set out to defend the trophy that they deservedly won in 2005. 

St.Bernadettes v Avonmouth (8-0)

In the opening match against Avonmouth it was the saints (with the matches being 7 minutes each way) who wasted no time in settling to the task at hand. After some good play by the forwards the ball broke to Kyran who crossed the line to score. Quickly after the restart it was down to the backs to let it be known that they were not there to make up the numbers with Smarty being given good ball from Callum to power through the middle and get the boys going. Callum then went over after a strong scrummage. There was some good work from James feeding the ball to Kyran for his second of the match.  The second half was much of the same with Saints strength and experience being too much for Avonmouth. There were further tries for the Saints by Hayden (his first for the club), James and Carl scoring twice. 

St.Bernadettes v St.Brendans (4-0)

The second match paired us with the home team of St Brendan’s. With no apparent signs of pressure showing from the lads they set about creating chances and it didn’t take Carl long for the scoring to start. With James, Joe and Hallum driving the pack forward the second try was waiting to happen and Smarty duly obliged. In the second half the tackling and ripping of the ball by Goughy was outstanding and a pleasure to watch. St Brendan’s were resilient but they just couldn’t cope with the strength and depth of St Bernadette’s. With two further tries the lads were truly on their way to another good victory.  

St.Bernadettes v Old Reds (2-1)

The third game of the day and if the previous weeks score was anything to go by then it was a forgone conclusion of what the result would be or would it? Saints began confidently and were rewarded with a try from Butch. We thought we were on course to win the game as easily as last week but Old Reds had different ideas. Old Reds were pushing and driving hard to get back into the game and but for some good defending from Bill I’m sure they would have levelled the score quicker than they did. Saints were being put under pressure and it made for a very good and exciting game of rugby. Some good play in the middle from Jack and it eased the pressure to take us into half time. In the second half both teams came out wanting to win the game. This was by far the game that was catching the attention of the supporters with some excellent rugby being played by both teams. Saints did well to keep going and not become disheartened by the great defensive work that Old Reds were putting in. As time was running out it took some great play before Butch went over the line and gave Saints a very narrow victory.                                                                                        

St.Bernadettes v St.Marys (6-0)

The fourth game of the day and the saints didn’t look as though they were going to give St Marys a chance to settle and have an influence on this game. The Saints were playing some good rugby and we quickly scored the tries to make life a little bit easier. Try scorers were Carl, Brett (his first for the club) Reece, Smarty, James and Jack. The lads enjoyed this win and could start to sense that victory was there for the taking.  

St. Bernadette’s v Thornbury (3-0)

The final match of the day saw us paired with Thornbury who were flying high, having won all of their games! The Saints were in no mood to let the cup slip from their grasp having come this far. Straight from kick off Saints began how they meant to carry on, which was a good solid strong display of attacking rugby. Thornbury were finding it very difficult to contain the good rugby being displayed by the Saints. Saints went over to score the first try of the match and from then on never looked to be in the position of chasing the game. Another try was on the cards and the lads delivered to take us safely to half time. In the second half it was much of the same with Saints rarely being troubled by Thornburys play. We were in control and the lads were playing with experience that does not do their age justice. Take nothing away from Thornbury! They were playing some good rugby but the determination and skill of the Saints was too great. Maybe it came down to the experience of the saints winning this tournament last year, but we were never troubled and finished the game with another try to give us a tremendous victory not only in the match but also in the whole of the tournament!!!  

By David Barr (Parent)  12/04/2006