Eastern Counties Rugby Union
EASTERN COUNTIES U13 FESTIVALS
A Huge Success again
over 6 years ago | Lisa Greetham
Each county (Cambs, Norfolk & Suffolk) held 2 earlier festivals, involving all U13 teams within their county; the first was semi-seeded with all teams playing 4 x 15 minute one way matches, the second was seeded so that teams played opposition of a similar standard (but with no overall winners). All teams were then nominated to one of 5 final tiered all county festivals held across Eastern Counties last Sunday, providing playing opportunities for all U13 players in the CB to develop their skills at an appropriate level, and against teams from the other counties.
Unfortunately, the weather was not helpful, but 26 teams from 21 different clubs – around 450 boys – took to the field with 5 or 6 teams at each of 5 venues.
B teams were allowed to enter; 2 clubs combined forces; a couple of clubs were short, and others willingly lent players.
These are not “win win” festivals – there were no cups to play for; each team played 4 others, again in 15 minute one way matches against similar standard opponents.
Tier 1 – at Wymondham - Wymondham, Holt, Cambridge A, Bury A, Ipswich A
Tier 2 – at Thurston - N Walsham, S Walden, Colchester A, Southwold, Shelford A
Tier 3 – at Sudbury - Crusaders, Cambridge B, S Walden B, Sudbury, Woodbridge, Ipswich YM
Tier 4 – at Stowmarket - Beccles, Bury B, Stowmarket, Newmarket, Ely
Tier 5 – at Shelford - W Norfolk, Colchester B, Harwich/Mistley, Royston B, Shelford B
Ross Cowie, Chairman of Youth & Age Grade Rugby commented “The program has taken much organisation, but it is a joy to see so many boys playing in the right environment. This was the third year that we have run this program, and it is clear that it is a winning formula. Our aim was to provide rugby for all U13s playing club rugby in the CB, and for them to enjoy rugby at their own level, and to contribute to their development. Coaches are now buying into player development rather than winning at all costs, and with around 450 12 & 13 year olds playing, this must provide a great platform for youth rugby in the CB, and for the onward individual development of these youngsters. A huge thanks to all those who have helped make festivals such a success”.
Picture from Sudbury v Saffron Walden B – many thanks to Lloyd Felton
Unfortunately, the weather was not helpful, but 26 teams from 21 different clubs – around 450 boys – took to the field with 5 or 6 teams at each of 5 venues.
B teams were allowed to enter; 2 clubs combined forces; a couple of clubs were short, and others willingly lent players.
These are not “win win” festivals – there were no cups to play for; each team played 4 others, again in 15 minute one way matches against similar standard opponents.
Tier 1 – at Wymondham - Wymondham, Holt, Cambridge A, Bury A, Ipswich A
Tier 2 – at Thurston - N Walsham, S Walden, Colchester A, Southwold, Shelford A
Tier 3 – at Sudbury - Crusaders, Cambridge B, S Walden B, Sudbury, Woodbridge, Ipswich YM
Tier 4 – at Stowmarket - Beccles, Bury B, Stowmarket, Newmarket, Ely
Tier 5 – at Shelford - W Norfolk, Colchester B, Harwich/Mistley, Royston B, Shelford B
Ross Cowie, Chairman of Youth & Age Grade Rugby commented “The program has taken much organisation, but it is a joy to see so many boys playing in the right environment. This was the third year that we have run this program, and it is clear that it is a winning formula. Our aim was to provide rugby for all U13s playing club rugby in the CB, and for them to enjoy rugby at their own level, and to contribute to their development. Coaches are now buying into player development rather than winning at all costs, and with around 450 12 & 13 year olds playing, this must provide a great platform for youth rugby in the CB, and for the onward individual development of these youngsters. A huge thanks to all those who have helped make festivals such a success”.
Picture from Sudbury v Saffron Walden B – many thanks to Lloyd Felton
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