Rugby Union

Wednesday 8th April

The squad travelled to Colwyn Bay for another match against the Welsh today and this team they were pumped up and ready for them! The action packed match ended in a 22 All score line!! Well done boys what a fantastic match and an even better sore.

Today

Following yesterday's superb show the boys were put through their paces at Carrington Training ground by the Sale Sharks coaches. Aerobic capacity and ball skills were tested as the boys took to the gym and the field . Pity the next opponents of this tight, fit team!!

We drove in to Newport for a short stop to see the town. We parked by the bus station, fortunately, which happened be right next to the new suspension bridge that took you to the Newport RFC stadium (unknown by the group at the time). I ask a local with an WRU hoody where it may be - he turned and pointed, "right there over that bridge and behind that wall". The boys and coaches went with me. The rest - not. We got to the stadium, looked around a bit, and I ran into the Educational Director for Newport. He offered us a private tour of the clubhouse and trophy room. The history and stories were great. The kids were amazed to be there and all of them have a new respect for the level of hospitality that exists in the rugby world.

We left and spent the day in Abergavenny shopping, pubbing, etc. We met the coaches and players prior to warming up and then hit the ground for the match. We started off very hesitent in our play and Abergavenny quickly went up two tries to nil (10 - 0). By the half, the boys realized that our opponents were human too, just much crisper and faster. By the end of the half, we had pressed the try line twice and stopped some additional attempts to score, though they did put two more in (24 - 0).

By the start of the second half, our boys were pumped. We played harder, hit harder, and pressed harder. We punched one in from the 5M line off of a penalty but the smarter Abergavenny team got their hands under the ball before the ref saw the try. 10 mins later, Max Narewski drop-kicked one dead center through the uprights from at least 35M out! The sidelines were shocked. Even some of the locals were impressed. 5 minutes later, he punched one in and converted. The match ended 34 - 10 and the boys were much happier in the end.

The party with the Abergavenny team and coaches was a blast and the boys learned even more about sportsmanship and hospitality. The ride home was electric. Thanks to Rob and Huw for the game, fun and tour of the trophy room. The Abergavenny town and club history is a MUST to rugby players!

Woke up, drove into Cardiff. The private tour S&C set up for us was perfect. The guides took us to a few extra rooms as well. After the tour we walked through the town - The Goat Major was our favorite pub. We walked onto Cardiff Arms pitch and played some kicking games. All in all, a great day!

It was great meeting Julie, Matt and Archie at the airport when we landed! Great start to see a friendly face when we land.
We stopped Lincoln Cathedral for a couple of hours, which was tremendous - even for a bunch of U17 Rugby Players. The most significant part of that visit, besides the wondrous insides of that cathedral was the 1215 copy of the Magna Carta on velum.
We then hit the Leicester - Sharks. The boys loved being at a live match! We wanted the Sharks to win, but were happy to see them fight back in an attempt to come from behind. Alas, no good fortune there. Thanks S&C!