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From on top of the Goal Post

Hard Work pays off for Rugby

Well it was a lot of work but well worth the effort. As a direct result of everyone’s efforts and contributions our inaugural Festival of Rugby was a qualified success and looks to be a regular event as we continue to work at growing the sport of Rugby in Lloydminster and area. 

Over  10 teams took part in the one day event.  Ages from 13 – 40 laced up the rugby boots and put on a great display of heart and desire.  “We had kids beaming with pride, wearing their rugby t-shirts and wouldn’t stop talking about the next day at school” stated Coach of ES Larid, Morgan Mann. 

The local sponsorship for the event was amazing considering the Lloydminster community is deeply rooted with hockey. Nexen was the major event sponsor and allowed the Reapers to cover off any last details for the event. Youth players were given free t-shirts courtesy of Kukri Sports.   Food for the whole event was supplied by Sobeys’s and Remax supplied a huge tent for physio’s  and keep track of the scores on the day.

The level of the play with the juniors quickly improved over the course of the day.  Some great runs and tackling increased as the young players had more touches with the ball.  Shelby Page from Bishop Lloyd will provide the Lady Reapers some good talent in the future if she sticks with the sport.  Fearless tackling made here area of the pitch a no run zone.  I think a few of the boys thought twice about running the ball at her. 
It was great to see the people that will hopefully fill our shoes. 

Practice is one thing but no substitute for the real thing, commented Joel Bolton, local Rugby Player who enjoyed the day watching and running touch for the event.  

The biggest smiles and laughs of the day game when the mini’s took on the field.  “Oh my god, they are so cute”, was repeated throughout the spectators. 

The mini’s were taken through basic passing and running drills.   Even miss and catch were caught will millions of flashes going off.   As the events grows organizes hope to add a rugby “flag” game.

Both Men and Women Reapers team enjoyed success on the day.  While the women didn’t win their game they added a couple of scores and had a strong showing.  The men held their opponents off the score sheets and were able to get in all of their players in to the games. 

Lloydminster Festival of Rugby Part II coming up…..

 

 

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