Excitement building as Camelot prepare for the County Festival

Camelot U12s prepared for the festival by travelling to Banbury to take on a number of strong clubs from the Midlands area, and came away undefeated and with their heads held high, although ultimately trophy-less.

The young squad got off to the best possible start in their pool of five teams, coming from behind to beat Banbury Bisons 10-5.

With confidence boosted, Camelot went on to top the group with impressive wins over Worcester Adidas (15-5), Witney Blues (5-0) and Chinnor Ravens (20-0).

This earned a place in the semi-final of the Cup against the tournament favourites, Worcester Nike, with the sides playing out a hard fought draw.

Unable to split the teams, the winners were decided by the team that had scored the most tries in the pool stages, and despite a 100 per cent winning record, Camelot had scored less tries and headed home early.

Coach Les Long was proud of the team’s performance, saying: “Our squad ran, rucked, mauled and tackled their hearts out today in front of a very proud group of coaches and parents.

“There was so much that was positive and good about the day. Humility in victory, dignity in defeat, tough as teak and playing passing rugby. These players do themselves and us all proud.”

The previous week saw the Camelot U12s warm-up for this weekend’s County Festival with a joint training session and practice matches with Barnet Rugby Club, on the 4G pitch at the home of Aviva Premiership champions, Saracens.