Year 5/6 Tag Rugby Union Festival

On Wednesday 9th October 2019, 12 children from across Year 5 and 6 participated in a tag rugby festival. The twelve-school festival took place at Old Emmanuel Rugby Club in New Malden.

On Wednesday 9th October 2019, 12 children from across Year 5 and 6 participated in a tag rugby festival. The twelve-school festival took place at Old Emmanuel Rugby Club in New Malden. Despite being a relatively inexperienced squad, the O.L.I. team were all very excited to take part in competitive matches. 

Upon arrival at the lovely grounds of the venue, the O.L.I. squad had the chance to further train and perform passing and defensive tagging drills. O.L.I’S first match against Latchmere started with both teams having several attempts to score a try; however, both defences stood firm. Late on in the match, Latchmere scored two tries, with O.L.I. scoring one try in reply. Although, O.L.I. were to get off to a losing start, this was a good first test and a positive sign of things to come. Burlington were O.L.I’s next opponents. In this match, the team attacked with far more attacking enthusiasm and flair; this was achieved by running forward more often and adding support players. O.L.I. got off to a superb start by scoring two early tries. Even though Burlington replied with a try of their own, this resulted in the team’s first victory. 

Next up was Robin Hood, who matched O.L.I’s attacking runs and enthusiastic defensive display in a very close encounter. I was particularly impressed in the team’s effort in taking the tags of their opponents and how they got back into a flat defensive line. O.L.I. performed well in this match, deservingly achieving a 1-1 draw. The penultimate match against Grand Avenue was an absolute thriller. O.L.I’s local rivals got off to a great start scoring straight from the first play. However, the team didn’t let this affect them as they went on to score several well-worked tries. It was pleasing to see the evasive running that O.L.I’s team members displayed when in possession. Despite conceding two further tries, O.L.I. managed to win by four tries to three. After a short break, an experienced Tolworth team awaited O.L.I. in their final match. Although the team’s spirit and effort didn’t diminish, the attacking flair was on show as they scored a number of impressive tries.  

With an overall record of two wins, one draw and two losses, the team should be very proud of their efforts. It was very pleasing to see the technical and tactical improvements that all team members showed. I would like to congratulate William R, Joshua, Ethan, Erin, Julian, Elizabeth, Ygor, William V, Jonathan S, Isabelle, Tashny and Daniel on their great performances. I would like to thank Mrs Stanger, Mrs Varadi and Mr Raikes for their help in supporting the team going to, at and from the venue. This is very much appreciated. Finally, please visit the school website to view more photographs.