Considering we’ve been concentrating on core movement and agility skills, and only really done 15 minutes of match practice (as is the RFU’s guidance at this age) all the kids did brilliantly!

If anyone was wondering how we selected team Ellingham and team Ringwood, it really came down to who we thought got on well together or went to school with each other -ish; it was so nice that no one questioned which team they were in or asked to swap teams. We certainly didn’t pick a 1st and 2nd team – I don’t know how we would do that in all honesty.

As each game went by, players got more and more confident and we saw some clever teamwork, individual skills and team bonding. At some point, each and every player had at least one moment of brilliance – whether scoring a try, making their first big attacking run or taking a try-saving tag, they all had their moment. We might not have won any matches outright, but we won some halves, which is pretty good in our eyes!

Thinking back to my coaching course in the summer, the emphasis coming through was to build the teams, develop agility, balance and coordination and work on ball handling – match practice to follow, and ability never discussed until older. Rugby’s Core Values were also driven home. So, if we think back to Sunday and the Core Values;

Teamwork.
They all played their part and acted as a team. No arguments about being subbed off and lots of cheering their teammates on.

Respect.
All our kids were respectful of their opponents and the referee, even when losing a match and having tries disallowed despite playing great rugby (we were unlucky with some decisions; some tries were disallowed where other refs in other games would have allowed them, but the kids just accepted the decision).

Enjoyment.
You only had to see their grins!

Discipline.
Controlled, honest and fair. Three words that sum our kids up (and not some of the opposition!).

Sportsmanship.
Playing to win, but not at all costs (unlike some other teams!). Showing camaraderie and fair play – they had this in heaps.

A few big thank-yous are due;

New Milton RFC
For putting on such a great event, letting us take more players than normally allowed, and providing extra medals so everyone got one.

Alan Lendy.
For being our festival referee. From having refereed one game, I know how much Alan went through!

Jo Taylor.
For organizing everything and making sure we knew exactly what was happening where and when. It takes so much pressure of the coaching team.

Duncan Johnson.
For ably leading team Ringwood and getting the best out of his players (lots of nice comments from parents Johnners).

All the kids.
For being exactly what Ellingham & Ringwood RFC stand for and firmly believe in. The future of rugby at ERRFC looks very bright!

All the parents.
Thanks for all your support and bringing your kids along; they’re a real credit to you all. Without the kids, we wouldn’t have a rugby team; without you parents, we wouldn’t have our rugby family!

We are sooooo looking forward to the next tournament.

Until next time.
Andy