Haslemere Rugby Club’s under-tens took 24 boys to Butlin’s in Bognor Regis for the 2024 Tigers Challenge.

The boys were set up in two teams – Haslemere Harriers and Haslemere Hawks – in a two-day tournament with 30 teams across the under-tens competition. A brilliant time was had by all on and off the pitch with the boys picking up the ethos of touring.

Some superb performances were put in on the pitch with the Harriers picking up wins against Lanishen RFC, Amersham RFC and Dartford RFC. Other opponents included Battersea Ironsides, Horsham and London Irish. Tries, turnovers and big tackles were spread across the team, with Noah Watkins notably scoring two hat-tricks and Max Parsons and Harry Flanagan picking up MVP awards.

The tournament was focused on encouraging the spirit of rugby rather than promoting individual team winners, with more points allocated for team, coach and parent behaviour than an actual win. The Hawks topped their group table with two wins and a draw against Old Elthamians, Tunbridge RFC and Tring RFC. The Hawks then won against Old Juddians and a second Llanishen RFC team, setting up a final game against unbeaten side Stroud RFC. An excellent Stroud team were finally overcome with a last-minute try scored by Theo Shotbolt barrelling over in the corner. The other try scorers were Matt Robson and Arlo-Harrison Smith, both scored from deep in their own half, to seal a 3-2 win for the Hawks. Josh Seeliger and Arlo Harrison-Smith were MVPs for the Hawks.