MINIS RUGBY
WICKLOW RFC’S under-7s, 8s and 9s made their way to Dublin 4 at the weekend for the annual Old Belvedere blitz.
Conditions were soft to say the least but rugby was the winner this weekend with all teams having the opportunity to take on sides that they ordinarily would not meet during the course of the season.
The under-7s kicked off proceedings on Saturday and met teams from Naas, Suttonians, Bective, Blackrock, Greystones, DLSP and Belvedere. This was all followed by some hearty hot dog consumption to recharge the batteries after some epic encounters.
Wicklow’s under-8s joined in the fun in Old Belvedere where they entered one team which had great matches against Stillorgan, Navan, St Brigid’s and Old Wesley. Despite the heavy conditions the Wicklow kids scored plenty of tries and enjoyed making their tackles in the mud.
The under-9s took to the remaining mud on Sunday and had some great games with Bective, Ashbourne, Naas and St Brigids as well as Lansdowne, Coolmine and Mullingar.
Wicklow’s under-11s had a great day out in Bray with a match against Pres Bray Cubs.
On a mild morning, that was very soft under foot, the Wicklow boys came up against a number of classmates and friends who lined out for the Bray side.
This made for some highly competitive games with both sides keen to get the ball moving and display their skills in front of a large group of spectators.
Wicklow’s under-12s had a very busy weekend. On Saturday evening they took on Suttonians at half time in the Leinster v Benneton clash at the RDS.
Playing in front of a huge crowd, which included 270 people who travelled with Wicklow RFC, the boys stepped up to the challenge and put on a great performance on the hallowed turf. Members of the squad also acted as flag bearers to escort the teams onto the pitch and got to meet players before and after the match.
Fresh from their Leinster appearance the under-12s were back on home turf on Sunday morning where they welcomed their counterparts from MU Barnhall. Two teams played two tough but rewarding encounters.
All age grades will be fanning out across South East Leinster next weekend to take part in underage festivals hosted by a number of different clubs.
For more see www.wicklowrfc.com or www.facebook.com/ WicklowRFC.