The Petersfield U14s, better known as the Chargers, made their way up to Tadley on Sunday morning with 60-plus supporters including Zac T, Ben H and Isaac M, all sporting red gear and hopeful smiles.

Tadley gave us a very warm welcome and the chance to set up the changing room for the boys. Each player had a handwritten note from a coach with personalised inspiration for the game, set out on the bench under their shirt. The boys said they felt like pros – and they played like them too.

The boys were ready, thanks to their supporting squad members who helped get them warm and fired up for kick-off. Thanks to Oli N, Fred C, EJ M, and Mitchell T.

Number 8 Tom B opened the scoring after 9 minutes. Outside Centre Will D provided the first of his five successful conversions from near the touchline. James N scored his first from stand-off in the 12th minute, breaking through the line on a 50m dash before Felix L scored from inside centre in the 21st. Ted G, playing in the second row, added a try in the 25th minute. John C, captain extraordinaire and playing in the back row, added a final try before the half.

The defence was exceptional, and while the attack was formidable, it was the line speed and off-the-ball work that really impressed from the Chargers in the first ten minutes of the second half when Tadley started very brightly. Then, hooker Nate W stormed down the line for a try in the 37th minute, followed soon after by James N with his second. Harry T, who took over from Will D after he picked up a knock (but not before earning his MOTM award), nailed the conversion and then added a second. Harry N completed the scoring with a try in the 49th minute.

The support for the Chargers was phenomenal, and Tadley was a truly gracious host in a hard-fought game that was closer than the score suggested.

The coaches, led by Rich Child on the day, are so proud of our 40-man squad, who, to a man, have all contributed to an evolutionary season. Thanks to the S&C gang for enabling our team to become the fittest team on the pitch, and to the club and parents for all the support. Most of all, thanks to the boys. Hard work and fun are what it’s all about – and our Chargers are proof of that!!!