The move from mini rugby and the associated fun festivals to Junior rugby and regular full length matches, including cup runs on almost full size pitches can be a little daunting - but not for our lads!

As well as playing friendlies against familiar clubs on a regular basis, we also played some other clubs for the first time in our cup run.

Travelling to the Andover, Bognor, Gosport and Fareham, Overton and Portsmouth Rugby Clubs really added to the Cup experience - especially with the travelling support being so strong (and vocal)!

We lifted the Hampshire Bowl in a hard-fought game at Andover RFC. The game could have gone either way but we kept our heads in front to take the title. It was a great game to watch, was played in the right spirit by both sides - and enjoyed by coaches from both sides, again in the right spirit - a great occasion all round!

So, how do you cap off a superb season? Why, with a superb Tour!

Travelling on a Saturday to London Irish’s Hazelwood training venue for an Academy-style training session from Exiles' Academy Coach Johnny O’Hehir was a great start - not only for the players but also the coaches and parents. The evening saw the team Ten Pin Bowling, which was great fun and a chance for parents to get to know each other better away from the side lines.

Sunday morning and back to London Irish’s Hazelwood ground for games against the London Irish and Ashbourne Under 13s who were over from Ireland for the weekend. This was followed by watching the Gallagher Premiership game between London Irish and Wasps - and what a game that was!

All in all, a great season and everyone is really looking forward to the 2022/23 season!