Seventeen enthusiastic Lochaber U14s participated in their first tournament of the season at Mid Argyll, on Sunday 03 November. Mid Argyll could only field eight players, and as no other clubs participated, the Lochaber contingent split into two eight-a-side teams, Whites and Colours. This allowed a three-way competition, each game consisting of two 10-minute halves.

First up, Lochaber Whites played Mid Argyll. Despite a brave effort, Whites were soundly beaten, particularly at the breakdown, by a team which was largely composed of fitter, stronger, and heavier players.

The second game saw Colours go down to Mid Argyll in much the same way, but this time the final score was closer.

For the third game, the Mid Argyll boys joined in even numbers to both Whites and Colours, making the game twelve-a-side, ie five forwards and seven backs. In this game, the Lochaber boys gained in confidence and began playing to their true ability and with cohesion. There was some great running rugby from both sides, and it turned out to be a closely fought game with the final score 4 to 3.

Lochaber Captain Ruairidh, and Vice-Captain Zach, led the squad by example all day, and will no doubt have the aches, pains, and battle scars to prove it. The other stalwarts from last season (Aaron, Callan, James, J-J, Josh S, and Stuie) have all matured considerably in their rugby, and played accordingly.

Highlights and reflections on the newbies to the U14 squad are as follows:-

Anton - Whites front row, runs hard and straight. Took a couple of big hits in the last game, but got straight back up and on with it. A real asset.
Arran - Colours / Mid Argyll loose forward, loads of enthusiasm, solid build. Had some great runs in the Mid Argyll strip against Whites.
Brendan - Colours wing / centre, didn't have much of a chance to get stuck in, but will have learnt to lot from his first U14 competitive game.
Cody - Whites front row. Knows the game well, good at the line out and in the scrum. In attack, good at taking the tackle, going to ground, and laying the ball back.
Gregor - Whites centre /wing, had a quiet day but played well. Has all the skills, and no doubt will gain in confidence with more tournaments.
Josh A - Whites and Colours tight forward. Took a while to get used to his first ever competitive rugby tournament, but by the end of the day was making some great driving runs, in a similar way to Anton.
Lee - Colours centre / wing, wasn't over-awed by his first ever competitive rugby outing. Made at least one great midfield tackle against Mid Argyll.
Nicholas - Colours, quiet start but gained in confidence and did some really good work at the breakdown on his wing, particularly in the twelve-a-side game against Whites.
Robert - Colours scrumhalf, great service from the base of the scrum and ruck, scored a good try against Whites.

This U14 squad has good numbers, good camaraderie, good commitment, and great enthusiasm for the game. What more could the club and the coaching team ask for?

All in all, it was another good day for Lochaber!