THE Slough Under-nine team put in a pleasing performance in the Harlequins Festival.

Up against Winchester first, the young Greenies were straight out of the blocks with quick foot-work seeing Harvey Hitchings-Goswell over the line to open the scoring.

Winchester replied immediately with a try of their own before a brilliant match unfolded with both sides stringing together several phases and some fantastic rugby on display.

Unfortunately for Slough, and despite their best efforts plus a second-half try from Caleb Donohoe, the game finished in a narrow defeat.

The Greenies had another match immediately after so no time to re-group as they kicked off against Guildfordians.

The game looked to start in the same way as the last however, the try was in touch and the turnover saw a quick-footed Guildford player exploit a gap to belt the ball down the pitch.

Some great teamwork saw the ball make its way through most of the team to put Hitchings-Goswell over the whitewash, before another for the opposition finished the first-half.

Slough opened the second period with a try however, despite their best efforts again, the match ended in a loss.

A long break before the third and final game against Old Cats led to a breakdown in concentration. Although there was some good individual play, the Greenies were easily distracted and the earlier coordination and focus was missing.

Despite the three defeats, head coach Mary Blumbergs was pleased with how Slough got on.

She said: “As the smallest and least-experienced team, our players could easily have been overwhelmed, but they took it in their stride and got on with enjoying their rugby.

"We saw some great individual performances and growth, plus we made excellent progress as a team - they did well."

Slough is currently recruiting players for its youth teams. Boys and girls age 7-15 years old are welcome to joint them for two free taster sessions during the February half-term.

Visit sloughrfc.com or email kidsfirst@sloughrfc.com for more information