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Derby's U12s coaches were approached some while ago by Ralph Knibbs, on behalf of Rolls Royce, with a view to our boys getting involved in some “rugby related fun”. The connection here is that Ralph plays for Derby's Vets team with several of the U12s coaches and also works for Rolls Royce.
Rolls Royce had hired the clubhouse for the evening with 160 guests eventually sitting down to dine after the pre-dinner appetiser served up by a host of finely tuned athletes. As part of the arrangement Rolls Royce had very kindly offered to sponsor the U12s with the most generous sum of £1000. Part of this money went towards providing t-shirts and kit-bags for all the boys who had played in the recent Gullivers Finals Day at Twickenham. The remainder has been donated to the Mini and Junior Bursary Fund – thank-you Rolls Royce.
The aforementioned “rugby related fun” was to take the form of a tag tournament. Rolls Royce brought three teams of varying levels of experience and abilities which would give us two semi-finals and a final. We decided to field one coach in the boys team as they would be playing adult teams – this would hopefully add to the fun!
The U12s kicked off proceedings against the EVP Lions. Although the Lions appeared to have one or two quite handy looking players they just had no answer at all to the speed and guile of their superior and younger opponents with the U12s ending up runaway winners at 10-2.
The second semi-final was between the Executive Barbarians and the Trainee Tigers. This was a much more evenly balanced contest between the wily old heads of the Baa Baas and the younger, fitter Tigers. The game was nicely poised at 2-2 when the Tigers ran in a winning try in the dying seconds.
The final between our U12s and the Trainee Tigers looked as though the older Royces players would be just too strong and quick for the younger Derby team but superior handling skills and clever movement of the ball saw them turning round at half-time 3-0 in front. Although the Tigers scored two well-worked tries in the second-half, the boys scored two further tries of their own ending the game 5-2 winners and giving them yet another addition to the trophy cabinet.
When looking at Brian's photos I was struck by the number of smiling faces – proof positive that a good time had been had by all. Thank-you once again to Rolls Royce for their generous donation. We hope that they enjoyed the rugby and that the rest of their evening was a success. Printed below are some “pen-pictures” that were intended for a match day programme that we just couldn't get printed in time – all part of the fun!
Report by Martin Kent
Programme notes :-
DRFC U12s coaching team
Phil Eades - A power-house second-row with the soft hands of a fly-half. Narrowly missed out to Brian Ashton for the recently vacant England job. Has represented East Anglia at drinking beer.
Martin Kent - Combines abrasive back-row power with intelligent centre play. Often mistaken for Ralph Knibbs. Derby RFC`s link to the Duffield Mafia.
Kevin Tomlinson - Try scoring open-side in the Michael Jones mould………or is that Corporal Jones? Rolls Royce spy in the Derby camp.
Glyn Castledine - Another giant of the second-row engine room. Combines power with electric pace. Widely touted as England`s next kicking guru.
Pat Costello - Long Eaton RFC`s very own Neil Back. Plays head-first and has the scars to prove it. International honours on the “social rugby” scene.
Alan Cook - The U12`s answer to Clive Woodward – top man-management. Had a lengthy career as Bill Beaumont`s stunt-double.
DRFC U12s players
Myles Costello - A terrier-like scrum-half who isn`t afraid to boss his big forwards. Could become a real handful on the back-row as he gets older. Players Player of the Year 2005-06
Tom Kent - Talented fly-half with all the skills – must be in the genes! All-round sportsman tipped to be the next Freddie Flintoff. Watch out for the dummy! Coaches Player of theYear 2006-07
David Eades - Bucked the family trend to emerge as a three-quarter. Big tackle, big boot, big pass – look out! Nickname – Drogba. Most Improved Player 2006-07
George Castledine - Free running centre with a huge boot on him. Tackles like a flanker. Equally at home with the round ball. Mini Section Player of the Year 2006-07
Joe Wright - All-action winger with a big tackle. Nicknamed “The Dumpster”…..need I say more! Father was an international uphill water-skier.
Nick Rigg - Good all-round sportsman who has represented Derbyshire at cricket. Could have followed in his father`s footballing footsteps but chose the oval ball. Players Player of the Year 2006-07
George Tresidder -Exceptional sportsman. Has been Derby`s top try-scorer for the last four seasons. Now you see him, now you don`t! Mini Section Player of the Year 2005-06
Tom Mellor - A new addition to the squad this year who has shown great potential. Lightning quick and a great finisher. A product of that great rugby school, West Park, Spondon! Most Improved Player 2006-07