Contrasting weather conditions over the weekend let to contrasting fortunes for the U12 and U15 teams from the Colts at the annual North Wales Tournament. While the first day of round robin games were cancelled due to torrential rain leading to unplayable pitches at host club Denbigh RFC, the next day’s brilliant sunshine lead to top class rugby against strong competition at the matches held at a new venue at Llangefni Rugby Club, near Holyhead.
The under 15s team coached by Pearse Hassesy, Noel Morley and Michael Gleeson emerged victorious in the Bowl Final beating off the challenge of Welsh team, Liskeard & Looe. In the previous rounds, matches were played against Sidmouth, Wrexham and Carmarthen Athletic. Great celebrations followed at the prize giving ceremony, culminating in a spontaneous raucous rendition of the Green & Red of Mayo!

 

Earlier the under 12s went down bravely one try to nil against Shannon RFC in the Bowl Final, having left everything on the pitch. They had played three tough physical games against two Banbridge RFC teams and a previous round against Shannon that day.
Coaches Eoin Colgan and Jarlath Sweeney were very proud of the gallant efforts from the young lads.

The previous day, after hearing the news of the cancelled games at Denbigh, the boys did some sand based training on the beach at Kinmel Bay as well as dipping their toes in the cold Irish Sea!
The trip organized by MiTours included a coach journey to and from Dublin Port, with the sea crossing provided by Irish Ferries. The players, coaches, parents and supporters all stayed at Palins Holiday Park at Kinmel Bay and all enjoyed team bonding and fun times together.

Special thanks to the ‘Mammies’ for looking after all of the attendees so well from beginning to end.