Last weekend we had a feast of local rugby to celebrate and show that we are back and everyone is enjoying playing again.

First up was the U20’s quarter final away to Yorkshire in their first season of Division 1 of the Jason Leonard County Championships at the Doncaster Knights ground which is in itself a fantastic opportunity for the team to be playing at their ground. The team were up against the reigning champions from the last 5 competitions. Yorkshire were well drilled, very physical and athletic, especially in the scrum. It was a difficult first 30 mins conceding 4 try’s but the U20s began to find their feet and should have scored a couple of try’s of the own. Yorkshire had  the last word in the half scoring to make the half time score 35-0. The U20s coaches rallied the players as Leicestershire came out refreshed and started to make in roads and dominated the first 20 mins with Fin Deevey scoring and Ben Phelps converting the try. Unfortunately the dominance of Yorkshire had taken its toll on the U20s and with a very strong bench as well, Yorkshire ran out 61-7 winners. The U20s players and coaches should be very proud for never giving up, which was recognised by the Yorkshire President at the post match meal with the whole Yorkshire team raising a toast to the Leicestershire U20s. Well done to all the players, coaching staff and supporters for doing Leicestershire and Rutland proud.

Next up we have the county U11 to U13 festival at Melton Mowbray RFC and for the first time we had the inaugural girls own U13 element.

Matches started at 10am but just before games commenced, all teams took part in a moments reflection for Solidarity for Ukraine. Thank you.

We saw 40 teams play across the age groups with all clubs with AGR sections taking part in at least one age group. 9 clubs were represented in the girls matches which is fantastic and really looking positive for female rugby in Leicestershire and Rutland and a total of 91 matches played throughout the day. Phew! Congratulations to all the teams who went home with silverware and a big thank you to all the players, coaches and volunteers who make these events happen. Thanks also to Melton for being such great hosts and making sure the facilities were so well run. And to Dave Eabry who is the festival organiser. No one would ever believe it was the first festival in two years and it was clear to see that everyone was very happy to be back out in the sunshine enjoying themselves.

The trilogy of events was complete with County U18’s girls playing away at Burton RFC in a x10’s festival. We took 31 players along and had 2 teams of girls. They played 6 matches altogether and between the 2 teams, they won 3, lost and drew 1. Great work girls who all had a great day and once again showing that girls rugby in the county is looking bright. 

There are lots of festivals and representative rugby coming up over the next few weeks with finals in cups, bowls and plates also. Keep up to date with LRU events calendar to see what is happening and when.

Thanks for supporting rugby union in Leicestershire and Rutland.