Wicklow’s Under-10s flourish at Kettle Festival
WICKLOW RFCs’s Under-10s took part in the annual Kettle Festival on Sunday hosted by Portlaoise RFC.
Named in honour of legendary Balbriggan man, Tom Kettle, who was at the forefront in developing Youths Rugby in Leinster and Ireland, the festival involved 24 teams from across Leinster taking part.
Two Under-10s teams made the trip down the M7 from Wicklow and took on teams from Wanderers, Athy, Longford, Portlaoise, Tullamore and Balbriggan.
There were some great competitive battles with no quarter given.
After some initial tight exchanges in the opening rounds, the Wicklow boys were soon playing with great fluency and moving the ball wide at every opportunity.
There were some fine team tries scored on the day.
Meanwhile, Wicklow RFC’s Under-11s travelled to Greystones RFC on Sunday morning.
Brilliant sunshine and perfect pitches provided the backdrop for some top class rugby from all teams.
Wicklow fielded two teams and both squads played out of their skins against formidable opposition in three physical matches.
They put in arguably their best performances of the season producing highly entertaining games and putting their well honed skills into action.
The Under-12s were away to Blackrock and again put in the performances of the season against tough opposition.
Wicklow’s Under-7s, 8s and 9s entertained Barnhall RFC and Arklow RFC at home in Ashtown Lane.
Again, the weather made for excellent conditions which complimented the excellent rugby played out in great spirits.
The Under-12s girls took part in a festival in Terenure.
The Wicklow girls played with conviction, speed, skill and dexterity much to the delight of the large contingent of travelling support.
There were a few walking wounded at the end of their six matches but all were delighted with their performances.