Date: Tue 30 Oct 2012
London Irish Amateurs RFC triumph in the U12 Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup while Maidenhead RFC are the U11 champions.
London Irish hosted an exciting and competitive under 12 and under 11 grassroots tournament last weekend, the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup. The successful series of nationwide tournaments continues to grow and allow young rugby players to showcase their capabilities in a professionally run environment
The under 12 final was a fantastic spectacle for those in attendance, with the impressive London Irish Amateurs keeping their composure to secure a fine 6-0 victory over Oxford RFC , who showed great integrity in defeat and made sure that they challenged London Irish Amateurs RFC right until the final whistle. In the under 11 final, Maidenhead RFC were triumphant, playing with great confidence to defeat Marlborough RFC 2-0, who displayed great resolve to ensure that Maidenhead RFC had to be at their very best throughout the match so that they could be crowned Regional Champions.
LIARFC U12s
Maidenhead U11s
As well as winning the tournament, the young players have also won places in the prestigious Land Rover Parade of Champions where they will be presented to a sell-out crowd at Twickenham during the Aviva Premiership Rugby Final next May.
In addition, the Land Rover Above and Beyond Award, which goes to a player who showed great determination and composure to overcome any obstacles or challenges that presented themselves, was given to Edward Berry from Newbury U11s. Edward was a very polite young man and showed great team spirit and courage throughout the day. This was particularly evident when Edward assisted and cared for an injured opposition player until adult help arrived. This caring nature makes Edward a credit to his club and the game.
Participating players at the festival also had the opportunity to meet Tom Smallbone and James Sandford who took time out of their schedules to watch the young teams as well as offer some coaching tips between games. James Sandford commented on the importance of grassroots rugby saying “the values that you play with when you’re younger; enjoyment, honesty and passion are the cornerstone of professional rugby today”.
For more information on the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup please visit: www.premiershiprugby.com/landrovercup
