This Sunday was the perfect Autumn morning to play rugby. The sun was out, it was crisp but not too cold and the ground was firm enough to accept the studs from a massive U8 sidestep - something to which our opposition have become accustomed to!
This week we had what feels like a rare home fixture after so many away games recently. Our opposition was Rhyl RUFC who had made the 45-minute trip to Eastham en-mass. Considering this is one of the furthest fixtures they will play, they brought a very respectable 15 players for the occasion and we split up into two teams. With Anselmian’s Mavericks El Capitan and joint U8 coach Andy Smith away for the weekend, we were a coach down but the U8’s certainly didn’t lack support with some much-appreciated support for Jack from mums, dads and grandparents!
It was agreed with the Rhyl coaches that we would try and get a bit stricter this week on forward passes, offside and stepping into touch on those dazzling last ditch attempts to get to the try line! The final golden rule was a minimum of 3 passes before scoring a try. You will see that we always try and give the benefit of the doubt and lenience when there is good play, but we will continue to reinforce the key skills each week without breaking up play too much.
After a successful first match on smaller pitches, we agreed to expand the pitches for the second game and give the opportunity for some more free-flowing rugby. Interestingly it was harder for the vast proportion of players to adjust to the larger pitch in defensive and attacking line-ups at first and players on both sides were still bunching up despite the masses of space on offer. However, as the minutes went on the U8’s made the best use of the space and scored some fantastic tries. It was particularly good to see our teams both organising themselves in defence and attack and not awaiting instruction from a coach! It’s great to hear “line on me” in defence and the tactical attacking conversations taking place on the pitch.
Another great performance as we continue to improve each week. We are so impressed with the standard of rugby and it’s really good to have such a settled team who are able to play together week in and week out.
As ever, thanks to Rhyl for making the trip across to Eastham and bringing a real strong contingent of away support. It was a pleasure hosting and we look forward to the second leg at Rhyl early next year.
Originally down as a training week, next Sunday sees the U8’s play a tri-fixture at New Brighton alongside Liverpool Collegiate. It’s nice to finally complete the fixture with New Brighton after weather postponed our game a few weeks back.
Just a final thank you for the impeccably observed minute’s silence from all players and parents on Remembrance Sunday.