Camelot young guns end season in style at Aylesbury tournament

Hemel Hempstead Camelot sent four teams from three age groups to Aylesbury RUFC in what was, for most, the final tournament of the season.
The Camelot U12s finished the season with a flourish with victory in AylesburyThe Camelot U12s finished the season with a flourish with victory in Aylesbury
The Camelot U12s finished the season with a flourish with victory in Aylesbury

The Camelot U10s entered two teams – the Knights and the Wizards – with the Knights progressing to the Plate final and the Wizards coming through some tough pool games to earn a slot in the Shield final.

Despite an excellent display of teamwork, quick ball and fierce tackling, the Knights were unable to beat Newport in the final, losing by three tries to two.

That brought to an end an otherwise successful season which saw the creation of a solid base of players on which to build going forward.

The Camelot Wizard U10s won the Shield tournament in AylesburyThe Camelot Wizard U10s won the Shield tournament in Aylesbury
The Camelot Wizard U10s won the Shield tournament in Aylesbury

The Wizards, meanwhile, were pitted against a team from Beaconsfield in their final. After what had been a very difficult day for the young side, they prevailed by three tries to one against a well drilled opposition.

Coach Tess Gartside said: “They rose to the occasion and their sheer determination carried them through.”

Reflecting on a very enjoyable day, U10s head coach Paul Clarkson stated how proud he was of both sets of players for sheer determination and fantastic skill levels against strong opponents, and for the assistance of fellow coaches and the support of the players’ parents.

The U11s, meanwhile, were in high spirits for their penultimate festival of the season and were fully focussed from the outset on giving another polished performance.

The Camelot Wizard U10s won the Shield tournament in AylesburyThe Camelot Wizard U10s won the Shield tournament in Aylesbury
The Camelot Wizard U10s won the Shield tournament in Aylesbury

Not satisfied with anything other than a place in the Cup final, the Camelot team once more stepped up to the mark by soundly beating all contenders in the qualifying round.

Victory was in sight in the final against Beaconsfield, and tries from captain Daniel Jones and Ivan Thayil earned a comfortable win to make it six trophies for the season for the team.

They have one more game this weekend as they travel to Wales for their final event ahead of the summer break, with the thanks going to Paul Adde and Jeremy Garman for all of their coaching efforts.

Elsewhere, the Camelot U12s finished the season in style. After draws with Beaconsfield and Aylesbury, wins over Chesham, Newport and Drifters earned the youngsters a place in the Plate final against Tring; a game they won 3-0 to finish the day undefeated and with a trophy in hand.

Coach Les Long was delighted with the performances, saying: “Five games in the pool and then a final allowed our players to again show the teamwork, skills and spirit they have in abundance.

“We thank those selected to represent our age group today for playing some superb rugby which received plaudits from many watching coaches and supporters of other clubs.

“I am yet to see another team with as much heart, soul and togetherness as this squad. They never stop believing and working for each other.”

The triumph marked a fitting end for Daisy Oblein, who next season will move into girls’ rugby as rules no longer permit mixed teams at U13 level.

Les added: “A special mention for our captain today, Daisy. No-one has shown more of the heart, soul, bravery and effort than she has consistently over the years.

“Her team-mates wanted so much to make today a success for her and together they did just that.

“Carrying her victorious from the pitch after the final and giving a standing ovation was awesome on their part.”

If you would like to find out more about Camelot or to contact any of the coaching team, please visit www.pitchero.com/clubs/camelotrugby.

Camelot is a community rugby club and welcomes players of all ages and abilities. If you are interested in getting involved as a volunteer, club sponsor or senior player then please contact Charles Riches at [email protected]