Orkney RFC Community Schools Tag Festival 7th June 2013

8/6/2013

Two hundred children gathered last Friday for the primary schools tag festival with good weather present and firm underfoot conditions the stage was set for some fast action packed tag rugby. Schools that were taking part were; Dounby, Stenness, Orphir, Evie, Firth, Hope, Burray and St. Andrews taking part. Five pitches were being used to give the opportunity for all twenty five teams to play competitive matches again each other.

With all the isles schools having had their successful festival on the 17th May the mainland players were keen to show off their skills and did not disappoint with structured team defences, strong attacking play and much improved running onto the ball and support play which was a work on area within curriculum time tag rugby in the schools.

It is evident that from the schools continued efforts and involvement in the Community Rugby Project the standard of play continues to increase as well as the understanding of the game. There is also a broad appreciation from all event helpers that all players are fully involved and the girl’s tactical awareness is generally better than the boys showing evidence of utilising the space and ball skills.

Rugby Development Officer Bruce Ruthven stated;

“This has been a terrific day with the referees and pitch managers speaking positively of the games on display. The players have worked hard at their sessions with myself and Liam and continue to improve and enjoy their rugby. I would like to thank the players, teachers, parent helpers and the ORFC assistants and Chris Sharpe (Medic) for their time which is fundamental to the success of the festivals.

Congratulations to St. Andrews Primary school who won the Morrison’s Construction CRP Achievement Award, the award is presented to schools that have shown great commitment to their tag rugby throughout the age grades at school, embracing the spirit of the game and promoting fair play."

St Andrews Primary School receive their award

Neil McIntosh St. Andrews teacher commented;

“Well done today for another fantastic event. The pupils really enjoyed the day and have taken such a lot from their time at tag rugby. It was great to see how all the pupils are much more confident in their skills of the game and their awareness of the rules. The games and the skills on display both from individuals and all round teams were a pleasure to watch and a credit to the time and effort that has been put into the rugby development set up here in Orkney.”

Some feedback from pupils was;

"We have loved every session that you have done with us. We really appreciate you giving up your time to teach us tag rugby. You have taught us lots of skills through the years. We would like also to thank Liam for giving his time to help our tag rugby development".

Neve, Roma, Finn and Connor

"We have really enjoyed all the tag rugby experiences we have had with you. We thank you very much for all the time you have spent to teach us. Some of the skills we have learned will be ones we will find useful for other sports as well, so we appreciate it very much".

Rhys, Glen, Shannon and Emma

"We would like to thank you for teaching and supporting us with our rugby skills. It has been a great experience and helped us a lot with our confidence and teamwork".

Jeepstar, Euan, Molly and Keir

"We would like to thank everyone involved and who helped contribute to the making of the tag rugby festival. We've enjoyed the experiences.

Rhona, Ryan, Merrick, Ross, Grace

"It has been a good experience attending tag rugby festivals. It has been a pleasure being taught by Bruce and Liam. They have been very well organised and enjoyable. We have all improved so much since you came".

Joe, Stuart, Sam and Freya

"Thanks for teaching us tag rugby for the past 4 years it has been amazing. Thank you for inspiring us to carry on with tag rugby. You and Liam have done a great job teaching us".

Morgan, Lee, Joanne, and Caitlin