Deal & Betteshanger U13s hosted development sides from Ashford and Gravesend on Sunday at their alternate venue at Tides, giving valuable game time to a number of new and developing players.

Deal handed debuts to Thaddeus Shoyele, Isaac Emmanuel and Prince Oduro, with first starts also given to Harry Hutson, Harry Ebdon and Oliver Purton.

The Lions first faced a strong Gravesend side who made the early running, taking advantage of some inexperience in the Deal line-up and scoring through powerful outside backs. Deal responded well, showing good handling and attacking intent, with Isaac Emmanuel producing an excellent individual display to score two well-taken tries.

The second period saw a much more assertive Deal performance. Increased physicality and tempo paid dividends when Jonjo Walkin read the Gravesend attack superbly, intercepting and racing 60 metres to score a standout individual try. Continued forward pressure then created quick ball, which was moved wide for Rod Deschamps to finish strongly in the corner after showing excellent pace.

Against Ashford, Deal fielded a very inexperienced side led by captain Aiden Campling. In a closely contested game that ebbed and flowed, Deal showed extra quality in key moments. Jonjo Walkin added another try after a well-executed grubber and chase, Thaddeus Shoyele impressed with pace and footwork to break clear, and James Wright capped a strong all-round display with a fine individual score.

Harry Hutson was awarded the coaches’ Star Player on his first league start, while the players voted Isaac Emmanuel as their Player of the Match following an outstanding contribution across both fixtures.

Most pleasing for the coaches was the togetherness shown throughout the squad, with strong support for one another and clear signs of progress that leave everyone excited for the future.