Rugby Union
ONE THOUSAND young rugby players descended on Wilmslow for the rugby club's annual junior festival.
Children in 76 teams from 30 clubs as far afield as London, Tyneside and Dublin enjoyed a thrilling day's rugby at the King's Road club and on the Jim Evison playing fields.
Wilmslow were defending titles in five of the six age groups, from under-sevens to u12s, but this wasn't to be their year. But the young Wolves acquitted themselves well in the 130 matches played on 13 pitches between the two sites.
A highlight of the day was the presentation of the Rugby Football Union's seal of approval to Wilmslow following a rigorous, three-year period of assessment. The club had been assessed on its ability to provide a sustainable environment for a safe, child-friendly, all-inclusive club sports structure.
Deputy mayor, Councillor Jim Crockatt, who visited the festival, took the opportunity to formally present the seal of approval to junior chairman Steve Heaney, watched by club president Norman Herring.
On the pitches, the rugby was hard-fought and exceptionally skilful for players so young. They even attracted the admiration of Sale Sharks skipper and former England and British Lions star Jason Robinson, whose son was playing for a Macclesfield team.
The u12s were unlucky to lose in the early stages to eventual winners Manchester, who beat Sandbach in their final. The u11s reached their final, but lost 10-0 to Chester.
Irish visitors Greystones won the u10s' title, beating Widnes 3-0 in the final. Wilmslow entered two teams; The As won their group, beating Macclesfield, Ormskirk and Ashton, but lost 3-0 to Greystones. The B team lost all three games against strong opposition, but all the boys put in a creditable performance, with some fearsome tackling.
The u9s' competition was won by West Park, who beat Lymm in the final. The young Wolves beat Knutsford and Greaystone in their group, but lost to losing finalists Lymm.
Chester took the u8s' crown 7-5 in the final. The young Wolves lost by the odd try to both Wirral and eventual winners Chester, but beat Tarleton. The Foxes lost their three matches against Widnes, Lymm and Macclesfield.
Manchester beat Fylde in the u7s' final. Wilmslow's A side lost by one try to Fylde in the semi-finals, while the B team scored 10 tries in their matches and played some superb rugby.
Junior chairman Heaney thanked everyone for their efforts in making it a great day. He said: "We were blessed with the weather, superb organisation and some great rugby. We may have no trophies to show for our efforts, but that is part of the game that our youngsters must learn.
"Everyone was very complimentary about the way the day was run. We seem to have arrived at a winning formula and long may it last."
