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Minis Tour report to the Isle of Wight, Friday 23-Sunday 25th
April
Volcano ash, grounded planes, and general travel chaos
didn’t prevent 260 of Dorking Rugby Clubs finest minis
(U.7’s – U.12’s) and parents descending on the Isle of Wight
last weekend for their end of season tour, culminating in
the participation of the Vectis Rugby Festival.
The festival organisers claim it is the largest single day
event in the UK, although our own Surrey A’s might argue the
point, but in any event it certainly is a popular tournament
attracting clubs from as far a field as Beckenham in Kent up
to Bracknell in Bucks and down to North Dorset.
Once school was out, the Tour Party met at the Big Field on
Friday afternoon. Pre tour photos only served to heighten
the fact that some boys were going away for the first time
on Tour, a moment many non travelling Mums will never
forget! In an attempt to tire the boys out before getting on
board the coaches, a quick race down the Ist XV pitch was
organised, but to no avail, the boys were just too excited
about the weekend ahead, no homework, spending Dad’s money
in the amusements, staying up late and even some rugby, it
didn’t get much better!
We arrived at Thorness Bay Holiday Park on the island at
8.30pm via a Wightlink ferry crossing. Most headed straight
to bar where fellow festival participants, Pulborough Rugby
Club were already in situ, some dined in and had an early
night, very strange!
We woke on Saturday to beautiful weather which proved a
match winner for the day. Early morning training was
followed by a free afternoon where the kids could enjoy the
Park’s facilities, and the parents another well earned drink
on the terrace of the entertainment area. An evening BBQ,
followed by lots of drinking games, (adults not children)
brought the day to a rather late close.
A very early start in rugby tour terms saw everyone on the
coaches by 08:30 heading to the festival. Matches kicked off
at 10:00, and the last age group, the U.10’s finished at
4.45pm! A summary of the results follows:
U.7 Dolphins lost
in Cup Competition semi final
Sharks were
Bowl Competition Runners Up
U.8’s Bowl Competition Winners
U.9 A’s Plate
Competition Runners Up
B’s lost in Plate
Competition Quarter Final
U.10 A’s Joint Plate
Competition Winners
B’s lost in Bowl
Competition semi final
U.11’s lost in Cup Competition Quarter final
U.12 A’s lost in Cup
Competition quarter final
B’s played 3, won one lost
two
Special mention should be made of the U.10’s who having had
a less than successful season to say the least, played 7
matches and their socks off to reach the plate
final where they faced Basingstoke. A pulsating 6
minutes each way saw some staunch defence from both teams
with neither side scoring, and so, after much discussion
between the coaches and officials it was agreed to play a
further 6 minutes of extra time. Screaming parents, more
heroics and last ditch tackles all ensued, but still no one
was able to cross the line, and a tie was the outcome. Both
sides deservedly shared the honours. An awesome feat and in
the entire 7 matches played our boys did lose nor concede a
single try, some defence indeed! ”
They were counted in and they all made it home! 260 weary
soles left the Isle of Wight having had a fantastic weekend.
Commented Tour Organiser Mark Janaway, “we were a large
group, but already feedback indicates a good time was had by
all. It’s a bit of a cliche, but the tour brings everyone
together and the numbers involved highlight just how much
support Dorking Minis enjoys amongst its ranks. In terms of
the rugby it was a long day and talking to the age group
managers, all the boys excelled themselves. The weekend was
a great way to finish a very successful season”
If your son or daughter would like to
play rugby and even go on next years tour, please contact
Kevin Beal on:
kbeal@btopenworld.com
The new season starts on
September 5th down at the Big Field in Brockham. Why not
come down and join in the fun!
www.dorkingrugbyclub.co.uk
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