Burnham’s Under 9s faced a tough challenge as they travelled to Basildon with a depleted squad, missing four key players. With just five players available, Burnham had to adapt quickly to the 5-a-side format, but they rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion.

Despite being up against it from the start, the determined Burnham U9s refused to be overawed. Thomas, George, Henry, Daniel, and Josh pulled together brilliantly, putting in a performance that left Basildon struggling to keep up. Burnham’s energy, teamwork, and skill shone through as they overran the home side with relentless attacking play and rock-solid defence.

Daniel was one of the standout performers, playing as if he had years of experience rather than just hours. He took to tackling like a natural and celebrated his first competitive tries in style—an outstanding achievement in such a high-pressure game.

Meanwhile, the trio of George, Thomas, and Josh once again showed their class with another exceptional shift. Their combination of speed, tackling, and support play ensured Burnham stayed in control throughout the match, keeping Basildon pinned back and struggling to respond.

Special recognition went to Henry, who received high praise from Katherine for his remarkable consistency—not just in this match but across the entire season. A true all-rounder, Henry demonstrated his impressive rugby IQ, filling defensive gaps, making powerful try scoring runs, delivering cool-headed passes under pressure, and putting in fierce tackles. His leadership on a day when Burnham needed players to step up was invaluable, helping to guide his teammates to victory.

A fantastic effort from the entire team—amazing work, Henry! Amazing work, Burnham U9s!