Today was the day, the end of our competitive season and all hinged on 2 games against the West Sussex Champions, Chichester in a winner takes all encounter.

On paper the pedigree of the Brighton Barbarians made them firm favourites but this as it turns out was far from the truth.

In a 2 match final the first 2 sides started off with a flourish of pass and move and fearsome tagging that belied there age or experience and by half time it was clear that the merest of mistakes would end up settling the outcome. Back and forth the 2 teams went with no quarter given and but for a few uncharacteristic mistakes the game would surely have been tied. Chichester held firm and with the bonus of a couple of fortuitous turnovers, went up 20-17 a very generous count by the referee.

So here it was the last chance for Brighton to end a superb season and they had to turn over a 3 point deficit.

Enter the boys in the yellow bibs with steely gaze and firm focus knowing that this was their time a moment in which all their young dreams could be fulfilled.

The whistle was blown and into battle went the eight fearless gladiators.

Back and forth they struck and countered forcing each other to new heights in excellence on the rugby field. By halftime Brighton by sheer hard work and fortitude had clawed back the deficit and with a 3 try winning margin were all square with just 10 minutes of battle left in them.

Which way would it go? who would be triumphant these 2 giant's of the game standing within touching distance of ultimate glory.

They start like 2 caged veterans of the ring sizing each other up looking for openings, weaknesses to exploit.

The noise in the arena was deafening as try after try were run in, and yet it seems there would be no end.

Nerves shredded the coaches looked on waiting on that telling blow to find out who would be triumphant.

At last the final whistle pierced the air and silence fell. Hands were shook and a low quiet mutter swept around the swelling crowd.

It was close they all knew so but who would hold the final trophy aloft and who would be the valiant vanquished foe.

The referee arms raised and chest puffed with the importance of the moment played his part to the full and declared the scores slowly and deliberately.

Brighton 17, Chichester 20...... a pause, no breath of air, time stood still........and Brighton 18,.....................Chichester 13!

The silence held for a millisecond and then the arms raised the coaches hugged, tears streaming down their worn aged faces as the realisation of all their fledgling dreams had been fulfilled!!!

Hands are shook cheers are called and then to the presentation. All the combatants suddenly childlike and small surrounded with proud family and friends.

Medals given, shield raised all now that is left is the humble words of parents to each other reverent in their thoughts of their part in proceedings.

Elders retire to celebrate and move on knowing that tomorrow brings new challenges, mountains to climb, battles to win, but knowing their fledgling charges are equipped for all manor of adventures.

Thank you to all of you for today and thank you to Chichester for giving us such a stern test.