The lads' progress since September has been amazing. Everyone who has had the pleasure of watching this squad will have been pleased with the development of their game and the togetherness they have shown in all games. Having played 11 matches they have won 7 and lost 4 - the manner of those wins and losses tells us a lot.

The team has lost when the opposition has larger, heavier and perhaps more aggressive ball carriers. This has often intimidated the lads and they have let themselves down in first up tackling. Yet they have never let their heads drop, they have stayed positive and focused on the next play. As they mature they will learn that teams who are over-reliant upon big ball carriers will become less and less effective as defences become more and more resiliant. Of all our opposition, New Milton have played with the most ambition and skill - deliberately disrupting the defence before putting wide players into the game to exploit overlaps. They have set the standard which we are aiming to reach.

Alton U13s are now playing a pattern which is not only delivering results but will stand them in good stead as they move through the Junior years. The foundation skills need to be in place and are improving. The lads have seen the benefits of this for themselves and they can draw a lot of confidence after defeating sides which are often much bigger than them but not as well structured in their play. Rugby is a team game and the best team usually wins. It is the improvement in their play and structure which excites us the most - good performances will lead to good results.

Individually we can only be impressed by the commitment shown to training and in the first 3 months they had to adapt to a much more disciplined approach in those sessions. The best way to learn is to play, but to play with clear objectives in mind. Understanding the game plan has been quicker than the coaches had imagined or hoped so we are well placed to take the next steps. This progress would not have been made without the excellent foundations laid by Theo, Greg and Nick in the mini-midi seasons.

Everyone is looking forward to the tour to Wales and our thanks go to everyone involved in fundraising and organisation. Parents have shown great dedication and togetherness and the boys are responding positively to the wonderful environment created by Wendy our team manager.

Finally a word for our sponsors who have so kindly provided match shirts, waterproofs and contributions towards the tour fund. Johnny Rath has been a consistent supporter of this age group over many years and we are proud to wear his Fabrik logo on our shirts. Persimmon were skillfully persuaded by Wendy to support the squad with waterproofs and haven't they been useful in the recent wet spell?

Onwards and upwards then into the second half of the season. Thanks to parents and all players, you've been great!

Points table - Kieran leads the way with 54 points from 2 tries and 22 conversions. Ollie and Dan are then tied for second with 10 tries (50 points) apiece. Jack is in fourth with 35 points (7 tries), Nial in fifth with 30 points (6 tries). Lewis follows with 5 tries and newcomer Marcus with 4 tries in just 2 matches. Alex, Luke, Rowan and Harry C. have two tries each, Ned and Bradley have one try apiece.

54 tries in 11 matches! 13 players have scored for Alton U13s so far this season, evidence that we're far from a one trick pony. Alton score from all areas of the pitch, they can score by taking it up strongly through the centre and by moving the ball out wide. With threats all over the team we will become increasingly difficult to defend against. Focus for the second half of the season will be to build on our attacking structures and strengthen our defence - we want to be known as a side that's hard to beat.