Orkney RFC Community Schools Tag Festival largest in the country

6/5/2014

Pickaquoy, Friday 2nd May 2014

Five hundred and twenty six 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. In total eighteen schools were taking part from the mainland, north and Inner isles which required a lot of travel and organisation from all involved.

There were two different formats for the day with a Festival of Tag Rugby taking place consisting of forty teams who all played a round robin and also a Tag Tournament which consisted of twenty teams who played a first and second round of games giving a total of thirteen pitches being used at one time.

All the 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. Throughout the whole day the players worked very well together with a clear understanding of the rules and respect for the opposition and referee.

Photos: Orkney Photographic

“We’ve all had a cracking day with teams showing a real appetite for tag rugby and displaying some quality games throughout the festival and tournament. Once again the schools have shown great commitment to be here today with a lot of travelling and even an overnight stays for Sanday School. The standard has been exceptional and continues to develop each year. Thank you to the volunteer workforce with students from Kirkwall Grammar School and Stromness Academy being present along with the club volunteers. Many thanks to Cash back for Communities and Scottish rugby for their continued financial support towards the festival.”

- ORFC Development Officer Bruce Ruthven

“Many thanks to Bruce Ruthven and his enormous army of helpers- young and old alike- all sharing a passion for rugby and a determination to encourage youngsters to get involved. Who else organises an event for 500 children at once? It was superbly organised and went like clockwork... again. The Tag rugby event is testament to the commitment of Orkney Rugby Club to develop players from an early age”.

- Head Teacher, Rosemary Newton

The games were very even throughout with some really close matches. Pupils were encouraged by each other and the match officials who helped the games run smoothly and fairly. I was very impressed with the standard of play once more. The pupils seem to be more and more engaged and experienced as these festivals come around. The highlight for me was the way the teams included everyone and the encouragement from each other was tremendous.
Once again a fantastic organised event with a really great flow to the day. Thanks to all those who helped make the day such a success. Well done.”

- Stromness Primary Head Teacher, Neil McIntosh