Esher Rugby

Esher Minis embarked on a spell of three festivals in four weeks in some style!

The Minis’ rugby weekend started for some on the Saturday, with the under 9s hosting their Richmond counterparts during the National 1 fixture between two clubs senior sides. Whilst the “big boys” battled it out during an entertaining first half, the younger players held a “contact clinic” before running out to demonstrate their skills to audible applause and cheering from the appreciative crowd. Always a great experience – even more so as this marked the first time that they had been able to show off their new tackling skills in public (Under 9s is the first season of contact). Each first XV fixture we invite one or more of our age groups to provide the half time entertainment and it’s always a popular feature for players and supporters alike.

On Sunday, approximately 115 players – from U7s to u11s made the trip down the M3 to attend the really well organised Camberly festival – a “season opener” for all attending. The first festival of the season is always an exciting affair, and for some (parents, coaches and children alike) a trip into the unknown.  Special shout outs go to our:

• U7s – playing their very first festival – and the coaches, all refereeing and coaching for the first time – all of whom drew lots of praise from kids (unbelievably!), parents and other teams. 
• U9s – playing contact for the first time – to great effect as well. Being competitive in all games (RFU regs say we cant score – and we don’t – but we definitely acquitted ourselves well in every match). It was particularly pleasing to see some of the players who had been nervous about “contact” in training, absolutely knocking it out of the park on Sunday. Well done all.
• Max – our imperious fixtures secretary – the was the first festival he has corralled us to – and as one of the Team Mmanagers put it “I don’t know why I am getting so much love from the parents, Max did all the work”
• ALL OF THE KIDS – who represented themselves, our club, and their carers superbly.  It’s hard to believe there would have been a club representing the RFU TREDS value better than they did.

Finally, a shout to our gracious hosts, their ”air horn” team, parking marshals and everyone who worked so hard, especially in the face of the issues caused by mother nature in the run up (A lightning strike to the toilet block no-less!). A truly lovely day. We roll on to Weybridge Vandals next week!