VECTIS RFC’s youngsters battled through quagmire‑like conditions to deliver a series of outstanding performances at the New Milton Festival on Sunday.
With relentless rain turning pitches into mud baths, the club’s U7s, U10s and U11s showed impressive resilience, skill and a level of tactical maturity that drew praise from coaches and spectators alike.
Back on the Island, the rest of the club continued training, including the Vectis girls, who made the most of the muddy conditions to sharpen their tackling.
The U10s fielded two sides, Vectis 1 and Vectis 2, each completing four fixtures, before worsening weather forced an early finish.
Vectis 2, co-coached by Steve Keyzor and Gary Ball, opened with a 7-0 clean sheet and followed with a win and a hard-fought draw.
Casey Rees was named player of the tournament for his excellent support play.
Vectis 1, led by Allan Bridges, dominated throughout, winning all of their matches, including a commanding 12-0 victory over Tottonians.
A superb solo try from Lilly-Mae Blair — collecting the ball in her own half, breaking through three tackles and racing clear — earned her their player of the tournament award.
The U11s showed some "tactical mastery" in the rain in their four matches.
Coached by Ed Lynch, the squad showed that winter training pays off.
Rotating heavily through four consecutive matches, the squad displayed superior tactical awareness, particularly in their defensive pressure, and controlled key moments, despite the conditions.
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