Honda Volunteer Recognition

5

May 2022


Volunteers are the glue that hold our rugby clubs together and without them we wouldnt be able to enjoy the game we love. From coaches to team managers, to committee members and running the bar and kitchen, everyone plays their part. During the last two years, clubs have managed to continue with certain individuals going above and beyond to keep members together and getting back onto the pitch adhering to Government guidance. We thank you!

On Tuesday May 3rd, during the County Cup finals at Welford Road, we were honoured to present volunteers nominated by their clubs, with awards in recognition of their contribution to the game. All nominees received a certificate and a gift from Honda who sponsor the recognition programme. 

One volunteer was selected to be put forward for the National awards to be held at Twickenham later this year. That volunteer was Mike Harley from Market Harborough. Congratulations Mike. 

County Cup Senior Men’s Final

4

May 2022


May 3rd at Welford Road saw the final for the inaugural Paul Green Senior County Cup between Syston and Lutterworth.

In a closely fought game Syston came through strongly in the final 20 minutes to secure a 35-14 victory over a determined Lutterworth side. Many thanks to the senior comps team headed up by Kevin Hick and the match officials on the evening headed up by Andrew Forstyth

 

Photo’s by @julian_b_photos

Colts County Cup 2022

4

May 2022


Last night we watched a fantastic game of rugby between Hinckley and Vipers at Welford Road in the final of the Laurence Felton County Cup.

With great support from both clubs in the crowd, both teams were in it to win it, with Hinckley having won the Colts league only a matter of weeks before.

However, Vipers led from the start and won 5 – 25. Congratulations!

We extend our thanks to the officials on the evening headed up by Jenny Burrows and to Wayne and Helen Wrighten who organise the Colts competitions each year.

Photos by @julian_b_photos 

It’s rugby, it’s back and we love it!

25

Mar 2022


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.

Increasing Energy Costs

3

Mar 2022


With increasing energy costs about to bite, the RFU have produced a guide for Rugby Club energy and sustainability.

https://www.englandrugby.com/participation/running-your-club/club-support-centre/helpdesk-faqs

 

Midlands v London & South East

2

Mar 2022


The Midlands lost a very close and competitive game against London and the South East after dominating the first half with a display of fierce physicality combined with excellent skills in terms of handling and decision making.
Playing with the wind in the First Half, Midlands failed to capitalise on lengthy possession and pressure, turning round at 12-12. With a little more precision at crucial moments, the Boys would probably have been out of sight by the end of that first period.
London & the South East gained the upper hand with the wind and turned the pressure into points in contrast to Midlands in the first-half, running out eventual winners after a captivating match of superb rugby.
All that said, the weekend was about personal performance and many of our players acquitted themselves exceptionally well and we wait with baited breath to find out how many will make the ‘virtual’ England XV.

Congratulations the Leicestershire players below:
Joel Holland
Will Leebrook
Jack Leggate
Adam Mrtynek
Morgan Tunneycliff