On Sunday 2 December, the London Irish community team hosted the first of three festivals for the 2018/19 season.
32 teams travelled to the Hazelwood Centre, the home of London Irish, to put their skills to the test. Designed for U11 and U12 teams, the festival was a chance for the teams to experience playing against new clubs in a festival format.
The U11 competition format was based on the Fair Play points accumulated by each team, being marked on their teamwork, sportsmanship and behaviour towards the opposition. There was no winner for the number of matches won, instead a ‘Fair Play Champion’ for the team awarded the most Fair Play points by the referees.
At the end of the day, London Irish Amateurs were crowned Fair Play Champions after a raving review from each referee for their supporting and encouraging behaviour throughout the festival.
Community rugby coach Ben Goldie was impressed with the level of sportsmanship showed from all teams, adding:
“Every team was complimented by the referees and all of their supporters were fantastic”.
“Thank you very much to all the U11 and U12 clubs for making the festival such an enjoyable day. Also, a big thank you to Hazelwood for allowing us to use the fantastic facilities”.
The U12 competition was a tight affair with the final coming down to Worthing Raiders against Marlow. In front of London Irish players Gordon Reid, Matt Williams and Jack Cooke, both teams put on a great display of rugby with Marlow eventually coming out on top to be crowned U12 winners.
Following the final, Reid, Williams and Cooke presented the medals to the U12 finalists and the U11 Fair Play Champions to finish off a thoroughly successful day.
“Thank you to all the parents, coaches and referees for helping the festival be a success” said Johnny O’Hehir, community rugby coach.
“We look forward to seeing you all again soon at our future events!”
For more information on future festivals or match day experiences, please contact [email protected] or call 01932 750100.
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