Sunday 6th April saw Burnham U9s take to the pitch one last time this season in a much-anticipated clash against local rivals South Woodham Ferrers. Always a favourite in the fixture list, the encounter delivered a thrilling end-to-end spectacle, with both teams showcasing their impressive progress over the year. In a remarkable twist, Burnham fielded a full team of nine players—more than their visitors—a first in the history of this rivalry, and a testament to the tireless commitment of coaches Katherine and Dan throughout the season.

The match kicked off with a mixture of excitement and sadness at this being their last run out, with the weight of the season felt in a few heavy legs but never in the team’s spirit. Burnham brought their A game, and both sides treated spectators to fast, flowing rugby, sharp decision-making, and flashes of real class in attack and defence. From crisp passing along the back line to nimble footwork on the wings, Burnham’s play highlighted how far they’ve come as individuals and as a team.

Credit goes to the entire squad for the consistent hard work and energy they’ve brought week in, week out. The improvement in skill, teamwork, and rugby intelligence has been remarkable, making the coaches’ task of naming a player of the match increasingly difficult.

However, for this final outing, the standout performer was Albie. A rock-solid presence throughout the season, Albie impressed again with fearless tackling, sharp running, and a growing awareness of when to release the ball and create opportunities for teammates. His consistency and commitment have made him a key part of Burnham’s success and a worthy recipient of the final Player of the Match accolade. Well done Albie!

As the sun sets on another brilliant season, Burnham U9s can look back with pride at how much they’ve grown—on and off the pitch. Their rugby has matured, their sportsmanship is second to none, and they embody the values of TREDS every time they step on a pitch.

With just two training sessions remaining, thoughts now begin to shift towards next season and the exciting challenges that await Burnham’s future U10s. If this season is anything to go by, the future is very bright indeed.