When I was asked to coach the northwest U15s it was with great pleasure that I accepted the honour. Unfortunately, after the JTC (European championships) in Sterling Scotland, we had a lot of our experience players pull out of the U18s squad which in turn meant that the experienced U15s moved up a age group but the recruitment drive started and within a week I had a selection of inexperienced players to choose from and we took a very hard working and talented group of juniors.

Initially I had four Orrell Anvils with in the squad Tom Campbell, Ellis Povey, Charlie Wood and India Halsall, unfortunately due to a prior commitment Tom Campbell had to withdraw from the squad. Ellis had only played touch for weeks, Charlie Wood for 3 months and India Halsall the most experienced not only out of the Anvil player but the whole of the U15s squad with just 12 months experience.

We first came together as a squad just 6 days before the finals, so a lot of work was needed to bring players together and bond, with players came from several clubs around the northwest, Lymm RUFC, Crewe and Nantwich RUFC and Orrell RUFC.

Even though we lacked experience we had bags of heart and determination and gave our all. Ellis played outstanding running the mid area directing players around the field and leading by example; Charlie was outstanding initially playing in link using the blistering speed he has dragging defenders backwards and forwards across the field making spaces for players to run into. Charlie made spaces for the wingers where our top scorer came into her own with four scores finishing great moves off with great hands and technique. Not only did India score plenty of scores she also prevented us conceding several scores with unbelievable defence. We played against players that have been playing for years, one of the teams had 14 out of 16 England internationals at U15s level and we gave every team a great game.

The feedback we received from referees, spectators and opponents’ coaches was how good of a squad we had and they couldn’t believe that we had such a young and inexperienced squad which for any coach to hear is amazing.

We had parents, players and opponents’ coaches vote for squad MVP’s and it was a very close vote, but Ellis pipped Charlie by 1 vote and the girls was slightly wider with India getting the vote by 2 votes. What a great weekend with great effort and commitment from the Anvils.

The U18s with Orrell RUFC represented by Jake Hattersley took second place out of all he regions in the UK. Last but no means least, we had Robert Berne (Bernie) playing and coaching the o45s. The squad had a great run but unfortunately didn’t quite have enough experience within the squad. However, it was fantastic to have so many players selected to represent the Northwest and to see five players take to the field with their respected squads. Well done to all.

Report by Kev Hattersley
Orrell RUFC

Anyone interested in playing Touch Rugby, training takes place on a Friday evening at St John Rigby College. The U15s training is also going to continue throughout the winter.

Come and join the fun!
The Future's Black and Amber