Poor show to pull out of tournament

I was a spectator at the Felixton College Rugby Festival held over the weekend and was very disturbed to hear that our Ashton College rugby team had “pulled-out” of the festival after losing their first game last Thursday.
What their reasons were for this, were not made clear to me, but whatever it was, I think it was a very poor showing of their sportsmanship as it turned out to be a very successful sporting weekend and was thoroughly enjoyed by all the other seven schools represented with some excellent rugby played.
What was very embarrassing to hear was that it was not the Ashton coach who informed the organisers that they were leaving, but it was left to the captain to do the job!
Come on Ashton, surely you can do better than this?
GILBERT C. FLETT
Ballito

Ashton coach Andre Barnard replies: We attended the festival with 18 players and the programme required back-to-back games from all teams, which meant we played on Thursday and again on Friday. It was a huge ask, as six players already had niggling injuries.
After the second match we were left with nine fit players to start on Sunday against Richards Bay. Having seen the size of their squad I decided it would be high risk to our boys playing against them. I contacted Barry Picton, their coach, and informed him. I know Barry was disappointed and I am sure he contacted William but my responsibility is to these boys and their wellbeing. I am sure I made the right decision. Mr Flett is welcome to contact me if he would like to discuss the matter.