Semi-Final day against a strong Sandbach side at home had all the hallmarks of a good morning’s rugby by any reckoning. A slight chill in the air, mixed with a degree of expectation from the home crowd, and our visitors with an air of self-belief was the supreme recipe for a cracking match.

Sandbach opened the scoring on the 13th minute with a nicely worked try through their big set of backs - and these were backs of the ‘fully loaded’ variety. But spitfires worked hard to even the scores before Roberts went over with a powerful drive. If this game was to be won, Spitfires needed to play to their strengths, good grunt-work from the pack and dancing feet from a talented set of backs. Two more tries and a converted penalty just before the half time whistle however saw Spitfires trailing at the break 15 points to 5.
I have often spoken of the word ‘resilience’ as being one of this young teams’ key traits. The ability to recover, adapt and keep going when under pressure. In fact, the great All Blacks talk of ‘discipline, resilience and innovation’ as being how their legacy is built. Resilience is not measured by how hard this team falls, but from the courage, strength and belief that they rise and carry on. Backs against the wall, Spitfires played their ace - the resilience card - and took the game powerfully to the opposition with some thunderous tackles, great carries from the forwards and pressure from the backs to force the error. Not every decision went the Spitfires way, it never does. But despite this, they never gave up and kept pressing, probing the open field space, piling on the pressure and thinking well on their feet.
On 56 Minutes, the pressure paid off with a lovely try from Smith neatly converted by Parker. The reset saw the ref advising both teams that this would be the last phase of play. Spitfires were 15-12 down. Resilience. Any infraction would see Sandbach possession and a kick to touch to end the game. Absorbing the pressure and wrestling the momentum back Spitfires fed out through the back line to the hands of Smith who carved open the Sandach defence without breaking stride, beating several defenders and touching down under the post. Parker stepped up to convert the try as the final whistle was blown.
This was a tremendous performance from Spitfires. A performance built on belief, on teamwork, on the ability to read the game well and respond strongly. A tremendous performance from a squad of players who show incredible promise.

A tremendous performance, built on their ace card. Resilience.

Well played Spitfires, well done. You made your mums clap with proud glee and your dads drink celebratory Guinness. Cup Final coach anyone?

Onwards!