U11’s West & Aire Wharfe District Festival – Sunday 12 November
Last Sunday the Club hosted our District Festival for U11’s. 10 of the 22 district clubs attended, coming from the likes of Bingley, YMCA, North Ribblesdale, Ilkley, Otley, Old Rish, Old Brods, Skipton, Roundhegians. The conditions at the club were perfect, well almost, it was a little on the chilly side but a cloudless dry day allowed good free-flowing rugby to be played, and it was indeed high quality. All the teams participating brought their A games and all matches were of an extremely high standard.
At shortly before 11am play was stopped and a short Remembrance Day service was held, led by our President Richard Sykes, told us of the experiences of his great uncle at the Battle of Passchendaele 100 years ago, followed by 2 of our U11’s (Thomas Scott & Daniel Preston) doing a sterling job of faultlessly reading out the Club’s roll of honor, and then finally a Minutes Silence to remember those fallen……….and then back to the rugby.
A round robin format involving each team playing 3 matches meant that the competition was stiff and constant. Our Lads, playing in 2 teams (Clarets & Golds) played 6 matches and won 4, losing the other 2 in very close circumstances. We saw some scintillating ball in hand running rugby and some very tough defence when it was required. All bodes very well for the future of the age grade and for the club.
The feedback the club has received since has been very positive and we would very much like to thank all the participating clubs for attending, all the volunteers for helping on the day and in particular the U11’s Team who put in an enormous effort to make the day a true success.
