Our first foray into competitive sevens rugby, and an excellent experience it turned out to be. 14 lads rocked up at Winscombe on a mild and mainly dry day, with the prospect of 4 guaranteed games and a possible final appearance. Base camp was secured with Steve's dome tent, which proved a big hit with the squad during rest periods, then the assembled faithful were treated to a feast of fast and furious rugby.

Wiht both Pools using the same pitch Plain had to wait a while before taking the field, then had 2 games in quick succession. First up Lydney 2, any thoughts that they might be an easier ride as a second team were quickly dispelled when they cruised into a 2 try half-time lead against a sleepy Bristol line-up. 2 more second half scores for no response gave the Foresters a 24-0 win.

Next up, the hosts Winscombe, who had earlier drawn with Lydney. With the drubbing they dealt Plain last season still fresh in the memory, a tough game was expected, confirmed when they opened play with a strong run and score. Step up Jack R, who must have found a tin of spinach from somewhere, firstly catching and felling a Winscombe runner on a certain scoring chance, then scorching the full length of the pitch on 2 occasions to give Plain a 12-5 lead at the turnaround.

Half 2 saw Derek on to replace Jack R, they must have passed the spinach over too as big D banged in his own brace of tries either side of a Winscombe score. With one first half conversion from Callum, Plain took the points with a creditable 22-10 lead.

Plain's next outing was the final game of the Pool stage, so the lads had plenty of time for a kick around on the adjacent football pitch, and some relaxing attempts to scale the nearby skateboard ramps in studded boots. Remarkably injury-free after an hour or so of downtime, the lads now faced an intriguing situation whereby a win against Old Bristolians would put them top of the group, but a defeat would leave them bottom.

A tight first half produced just a single try, but it was OBs with the 5 point lead at the break. Plain battled hard in the second period, however the classy greens helped themselves to 2 more tries for no response and a 15-0 winning score.

So Plain were in the Plate draw, along with Winscombe, Chew Valley, and a poor-performing Clevedon. Having beaten one side and watched the others, the guys were confident of getting something out of the next 2 games, then disaster struck when one of Kai S's boots exploded during a warm-up run. Fortunately 'Fixer' Burke was on hand to apply copious gaffer tape, and 'Magic Boots' was back in action.

Facing Chew Valley in the semi, the black hordes went for the jugular and pretty much closed out the game in the first period, Luke B, Owen and old 'Magic Boots' himself running in tries to boost Plain into a 17-0 half time lead. Jack R ran in number 4 straight after the turnaround. Chew came back with a late consolation but by then the game was beyond them. 24-7 to Plain.

The hoped-for final against old foes Clevedon was not to be, as they crashed out in their semi, so the lads were facing the hosts for the second time, in a battle for the Plate. Confident again, Plain found it tough going in half one with only a Jack R converted try separating the sides after 5 minutes. Following the break it was a different story as the Bemmy Boys cut loose. Derek , Luke S and Jack R again, all crossed the whitewash, ably assisted by Owen who knocked over 3 more kicks, bringing the final score to 28-0.

A fantastic display from the lads, highlighted by a very complimentary official, who called it a 'very spirited performance'. Well done guys, and, as with last season, great to finish the campaign with 2 pieces of silverware in the space of a couple of weeks. Lots of strong individual showings, but it was solid team work which won the day, big tackles all round and excellent support play. Jack R gets a mention with 5 tries, also his dad who brought the tent, and did the running repairs on Kai's boots. Man of the Tournament has to go to the assembled parents, without a doubt the noisiest and most enthusiastic supporters on the sidelines of pitch A, they were effectively the 'eighth man'.

Thanks to Winscombe for an excellent event, well organised, refereed, and with timings running like clockwork. Nice to get Phil de Glanville to present the trophies also. We'll be back!