Its been a long time coming but at last Brighton U12s had a chance to invite a team for a friendly match under the new return to rugby rules.
We had been in discussions with Lewes RFC to visit us for a few months but this has been put back and back due to Covid restrictions.
During this time it was sad to find out that one of the parents of a Lewes player had passed away from cancer.
He was well known to many at Brighton and Lewes as a team mate but more importantly as a friend.
I didn't realise how Paddy had had an effect on so many of us.
As a mark of respect and fitting tribute both the U12s of Brighton and Lewes observed a minute of applause before the game.
The game was set up as 4 quarters of 15 minutes with Brighton having 2 teams against Lewes 1. The tie was played in a great spirit with a well organised and drilled Lewes team going through there set plays with great effect. This was in contrast to Brightons more unstructured and open plan
This made for a battle of styles which made for a compelling game.
Its was great at last to have visitors to the Hall of Dreams and just to see our squad back in competition.
Putting this alongside the obvious emotional edge to the day it made for a great celebration of both Rugby and a friend.