A visit to Dinnington for our U13’s this morning. Usually a challenging physical task and today was no different, especially as the boys are at an age of physically developing at different speeds. Dinnington have a large squad and plenty of big athletic lads as well as some serious weight in their pack. A match played in four quarters started with a try scored from receiving kick off by Dinnington who clearly had lethal pace in their backs, running in an individual try from their own half. Dronfield responded positively playing the majority of the first two quarters in Dinnington’s half. Staying competitive, taking phases driving forward with competitive scrums and Ben & Alex’s ball carrying keeping us in touch with driving tries. The second half against the slope and wind was a bigger challenge however, with our hosts rotating a large squad packed with adult size lads, athleticism and pace. The boys kept it competitive in the scrum, breakdown and ball carrying, however ultimately against a Dinnington squad that could rotate subs which had power, pace and athleticism Dronfield lost touch in the try count. A tremendous effort by our 16 boys, determined to the last and never giving up. Proud coaches and parents despite the 60-20 final score - which the boys had closer - no injuries I believe and a great experience against a Dinnington squad that outnumbered and hugely outsized us. Players of the day to Frank for his ball carrying and commitment as a new player to the sport and Ben for as ever outstanding leadership both vocally and by example - and the cheeky touch and go try while everyone was taking a breath -