Children out in force for monster minis’ blitz at Wicklow RFC
WELL over 400 boys and girls converged on Wicklow RFC’s Ashtown Lane grounds for a monster minis’ blitz on Sunday morning. Wicklow’s minis hosted Enniscorthy RFC and with fantastic numbers representing each club there was not a blade of grass that wasn’t played on.
Conditions were great for rugby and players from U-7s up to U-12s represented their clubs with great sporting displays at all levels. There was plenty of game time for all providing top class entertainment for the crowds of supporters on the sidelines.
The U-7s had a super morning at Ashtown Lane. Forty-five of Photo: Roisin McCullagh. Wicklow’s finest showed off some silky skills in a display of rugby that is fast becoming the U-7 Wicklow way. With such good numbers they had four games on the go so lots of rugby was played and there were plenty of smiling faces.
Enniscorthy turned up in force with three teams of U-8 players which were evenly matched with Wicklow’s three teams of talented players. Everyone got plenty of game time with the players applying what they have been learning in training. The coaches were delighted to see such strength in numbers at U-8 level.
Wicklow’s U-9s were excited to play their Enniscorthy counterparts again and both clubs fielded three mixed ability teams with nine great matches played in all. Both squads played with ball in hand and put in a fine display with tries aplenty. U-9s’ next outing is an away fixture scheduled for St Brigid’s, Cabinteely, on November 19.
The U-11s fielded two teams and were very evenly matched with their Enniscorthy opponents. Both teams showed great determination in their tackling and rucking and weren’t afraid to move the ball wide at key moments for fine displays of running rugby.
Two teams of U-12s played out some very entertaining contests. Meetings between these two sides have always been close over the years and Sunday was no different.
Numbers had been impacted by the mid-term break but this gave a great opportunity for the remaining squad members to get some valuable game time.
There was some great rucking and passing on display and all games were played in great spirits.
All the teams retired to the clubhouse for some well earned refreshments afterwards.
Thanks to the U-8s for managing the catering and U-10s for tending to the car park. Next week sees all minis back in training at the usual time of 11 a.m.