RWBRFC's Under 16s squad returned from their Easter tour to Ghent with plenty to be proud of after a memorable run at the Ghent Easter Rugby Festival.
Competing in the U16/17 bracket meant the squad were regularly facing older opposition from larger towns and cities, so expectations were modest heading into the tournament. The focus was simple: play well and enjoy the occasion. What followed exceeded all of that.
A composed group-stage performance saw the boys finish second, recording one win and two draws to progress into the knockout rounds. From there, they found another level — overcoming Blackwood in the first knockout match before a confident display against Hartlepool secured a place in the semi-finals.
The semi-final against Pontypool proved to be one of the moments of the tour. After conceding their first try of the day, the game finished 5–5 and went to a tense penalty shootout. Showing real nerve, Bassett edged it on sudden death to book a place in the final.
There, they faced a powerful side from Lille. A heroic first-half effort saw the boys trail just 0–5 at the break, but the physical toll of the day began to show in the second half. With injuries mounting and up against a bigger, older squad, Bassett eventually fell 0–34.
Despite the final result, it was a tremendous day and a hugely impressive showing from the entire squad. Competing the way they did against older opposition — and reaching the final — speaks volumes. Most importantly, they represented Bassett with pride both on and off the pitch.
