Written : Friday 27th Mar 26Guildfordians U12s Shine Bright at the Surrey Waterfall Cup Finals
It was sunshine, noise, and non stop rugby as the Guildfordians U12 boys descended on Old Reigatians Rugby Club for the Surrey Waterfall Cup Finals Day. With two strong squads representing the U12 boys Herd, the stage was perfectly set for a day of drama and big moments.
Mini Bisons Take Bronze in Style
Playing in the top tier of Surrey RFU U12s rugby, the A team, the Mini Bisons, had already impressed by securing a second place finish in their group. That achievement booked them a Bronze Cup showdown with London Irish… but with Irish away touring, the Bisons were awarded the Bronze Cup by default.
Still, this group wasn’t about to let Finals Day pass without earning their moment on the pitch. Horsham answered the call for a last minute fixture (big thanks to Horsham), and both sides delivered a spirited contest.
Horsham came out hard, flooding the ruck and pinching early turnovers. But the Mini Bisons are a sharp, adaptable unit. They tightened their breakdown work, secured their own ball, and soon unleashed the Guildfordians back line who operate with the kind of smooth, fast hands that make spectators gasp in delight at the skill on show.
Under pressure, the backs spun it wide, freeing the dangerous runners who thrive in open space. What began as a tense, arm wrestle blossomed into a commanding 10–2 Guildfordians victory, punctuated by dazzling footwork from the strike runners and some barnstorming carries from the forwards. It was a performance that showed intelligence, balance, and confidence, everything this squad has been building toward.
Bulls Claim Gold Through Grit and Glory
If the Bisons delivered the finesse, the B team, the Bulls, delivered the fairy-tale.
Their season began in the lowest tier of the Surrey RFU U12s set up, where the early season Values Festival tested them hard. It wasn’t easy. They struggled. But week by week, training session by training session, fixture by fixture, the Bulls found their rhythm. Their dramatic improvement saw them finish top of the very group that had challenged them most, a testament to their commitment and growing belief.
That turnaround earned them a Gold Cup final against a strong, single squad Esher side who had been impressive all year.
Esher’s powerful ball carriers struck first, surging to a 3–1 halftime lead. But the Bulls are built from something special. They refused to yield, instead rallying behind the qualities that have defined their season: bravery, belligerence and belief.
Keeping the ball tight, leaning into their physicality, and driving through their ever reliable forward pack, the Bulls clawed their way back to 3–3. The closing minutes were tense, dramatic, and utterly gripping. With both sidelines roaring, the Bulls struck in the dying moments crashing over the try line to seal a sensational Gold Cup victory.
It was the perfect ending to a season of transformation.
A Herd Growing Stronger Together
For so many of these players, this journey began years ago in the Guildfordians Minis, where friendships formed, fundamentals were learned, and the love of the game took root. Finals Day wasn’t just a competitive milestone; it was a celebration of how far these young athletes have come together.
Coaches, parents and supporters couldn’t be more proud of the resilience, skill, and spirit shown by both the Bisons and the Bulls throughout the year. The result? Two more trophies to display back at the club.
The Season Isn’t Finished Yet
Ahead lies a Butlins tour and a set of 7s fixtures to close the season with pace and excitement. And for anyone wanting to see the Herd in full flight, there’s a perfect opportunity: 26 April, at home, where the U12s boys host a multi tier 7s showcase featuring strong clubs from across Surrey and South West London.
The future of Guildfordians rugby is bright … the Herd continues to grow.
Danny Bailey
U12s Head Coach
