ON Sunday Verulamian Chariots U16s teamed up with Stevenage U16s to play a friendly Barbarian match against Stockwood Park in their first fixture of the season. Stockwood opened the scoring early by spinning the ball out to their dangerous right winger

ON Sunday Verulamian Chariots' U16s teamed up with Stevenage U16s to play a friendly 'Barbarian' match against Stockwood Park in their first fixture of the season.

Stockwood opened the scoring early by spinning the ball out to their dangerous right winger and a further try followed almost immediately with all the signs indicating that the game would be a repeat of last year's tie when Stockwood Park managed a resounding victory.

However, the Chariots tightened up their tackling in the centres and applied more pressure in the forwards and started to win a share of the possession. Two further tries followed from each side, and at half time the score was 12-24 to Stockwood Park, but Vees were clearly giving Stockwood something to think about.

By the second half, both sides were competing well, and the second half was a much closer affair. Both sides scored two tries, with the final score ending 27-34 to Stockwood Park.

The coaches from both Stevenage and Verulamians were pleased with the way the partnership between the two teams had worked, and by the teamwork displayed by the players.

Further combined fixtures are planned to enable the Chariots U16s to get match experience. The Vees U15 are now established and, with a core contingent from Marlborough School, are looking forward to a successful first season in the leagues.

All age groups from U7 upwards have a full season of fixtures and the junior section of the club, now in only its fifth season, is growing nicely.

With full RFU 'Seal of Approval' and qualified coaching, new players at all levels are very much welcomed at U16 and all other ages below. Anybody who is interested should see www.vrugby.com or call Chairman Rob Lines on 01727 759613 for more details.