Eastern Counties Rugby Union

Following from a Colts Rugby Forum, where it was identified that many clubs were struggling to field a full 15+ player squad in their U18 team, it was agreed that cluster / barbarian teams would suit a number of clubs.
So the first Eastern Counties Pitch Up & Play / Cluster / Barbarians day was held at Ipswich Rugby club.

The objective was to give as many 16 / 17 / 18 year olds a decent amount of rugby, in a positive & friendly atmosphere
Only rules are to have fun, and to come with a positive mind ! Lend players / borrow players

We had a really successful day, with 70 players from 9 different clubs.
We ended up with 4 teams :-
Colchester – full 19 player squad
Wistree – Braintree (15 players) Wisbech (7 players)
Mid Suffolk Barbarians (20 players) drawn from Ipswich, Hadleigh, Stowmarket, & Ipswich YM
Harwich (12 players – 6 from Harwich, 6 from Clacton) plus borrowing from MSB & Colchester
All teams played 3 x 25 minute one way games.

Mark Goude from Wisbech commented “a great rugby opportunity, 7 boys played rugby, when they wouldn’t have otherwise, thanks to Braintree for having us.”
Sean Mills from Harwich added “an awesome day, thank you for giving our lads the opportunity for game time, we even scored 2 tries in our last match.”
A huge thanks to Andy Pickford, and Ipswich Rugby Club for hosting, and all the work behind the scenes.

The next cluster day will be held on Sunday 9th December at Stowmarket Rugby Club – 1.00pm K/O.
It would be great if all clubs unable to raise a full under 18 side could make every effort to attend – and indeed any clubs with a full squad to help these others, and to provide opposition.

Ross Cowie
Chairman – Youth & Age Grade Rugby – Eastern Counties