U12s “Exiles” deliver another winning performance at London Irish

Céad míle fáilte was how London Irish welcomed the competing clubs to their 33rd Mini Rugby Festival.

To Peter Graham, the organising committee of the Festival, Colm and his coaches and to the players of London Irish; “go raibh mile maith agaibh”. Very, many thanks.

Chipstead U12’s (“Exiles”) closed off the season with a superb squad performance at London Irish. Although some late call offs made us light on options (and substitutes) all the boys who turned out today delivered a full shift on the pitch. Over the course of 10 matches Chipstead scored 100 points, conceded only 25 and progressed to two Plate finals; adding more silverware to our cabinet. As we close the chapter on our times as Minis, and before we move on to life as Juniors it is worth stopping to savour the moment for both ‘Blues’ and ‘Golds’ in their last Mini Festival and making the Finals in their respective competitions.

Feels good doesn’t it!

Taking the ‘Blues’ first, the group matches were against London Welsh (20-0) followed by Rugby Massif (15-0) and Westcliff (15-0). A return of 50 points over three games with none conceded was a fair reflection of the performance on the pitch; and was enough to ensure progression to the Plate semi. London Irish, with one try more made the Cup; well done to Colm’s boys. In the semi we were up against De La Salle Palmerston FC (DLSP) from Kilternan in Ireland. This encounter turned into a superb exhibition of rugby with DLSP and Chipstead both showing commitment in attack and defence. In the end the match was decided in Chipstead’s favour with a second half try to close out the game with a narrow win (5-0). The Plate Final was an all Surrey affair with Chipstead up against Chobham. For both teams this was the last time they would walk onto a pitch as Minis and in another superbly competitive encounter the Blues emerged winners (5-0). Huge thanks and congratulations to the team from Windsor Road for making the final match as enjoyable to watch and officiate as it was, I am sure, for the boys to play. So that was that. Another trophy for the cabinet and a grand finale to the season.

And so to the 'Golds'. What can we say but superb effort by all the players! This was by a country mile the most complete, the most committed and most rewarding series of games yet delivered by the Golds. The group games were against La Salle Palmerston FC (10-0), followed by London Welsh (15-0) and finally, all the way from Inverness, Highland RFC (5-15). So two wins and one loss in the ‘B’ group saw the Golds through to their Plate semi-final. Here we were up against another visiting team over from Eire, Clontarf. Our 10-0 win in this game saw the Golds progress through to a final against Sundays Well RFC (“The Well”). By now the toll of the day was having its effect and the Golds were only in the position to field 11 active and able bodied players. So a quick SOS to Highland Rugby (who had just narrowly lost out in the ‘B’ Cup semi) saw three Highland boys become temporary ‘Exiles’. Big, big thanks to the coaching team at Highland for helping us out at such short notice. This was also another excellent Final, and a fitting way to close out the season; but for the ‘Golds’ the team for Cork were too strong and were also replete with no little skill with ball in hand. The game finished as a two try to nil win for “The Well” and so many congratulations to them for both the spirit in which they played the final and the manner in which they won.

However for the ‘Golds’, their performance across the day was revelatory. There are a number of players who stepped up and delivered today; and all the 'Golds', as a squad, can be collectively proud of their runners up medals. There are some in the ‘Blues’ who should be warily looking over their shoulders at the competition that is not only emerging for their positions but, for some, has now emerged.

In summary.

'There's ane end of ane auld sang'; and as we say goodbye to our many years in the Minis we can look back at our achievements - of which there are many - and look forward to the prospect of life in the Juniors. From all the coaches, parents and carers who have seen many of the "Exiles" progress from the U6s all the way through it has been a pleasure to watch the squad develop and mature into a group of young players. When your time came you did it right. Thank you!