U10's & U12's in Etaples
7 hours agoBy Alex Ruddock
In glorious autumn sunshine, England and France battled through their own tournament on Rugby World Cup Final day in Etaples
England Play France on Rugby World Cup Final Day!
Saturday 31st October 2015.
In glorious autumn sunshine, England and France battled through their own tournament on Rugby World Cup Final day. Folkestone Rugby Club’s Under 10s and 12s travelled to twin town Etaples, France, to play Le Touquet RFC and Etaples RFC in the first of a new annual tournament that will bring our communities together in the wake of what has been heralded by many as one of rugby’s finest years.
Saturday 31st October 2015.
In glorious autumn sunshine, England and France battled through their own tournament on Rugby World Cup Final day. Folkestone Rugby Club’s Under 10s and 12s travelled to twin town Etaples, France, to play Le Touquet RFC and Etaples RFC in the first of a new annual tournament that will bring our communities together in the wake of what has been heralded by many as one of rugby’s finest years.
Sponsored by the Hythe Branch of the Royal British Legion, in memory of all those who fell during the First and Second World Wars, this annual tournament provides an opportunity to foster new links and friendships between children and their families through the Twin Town Association. The exchange of gifts of local produce from the two regions either side of the English Channel promoted local food and tourism and thanks go to sponsors, the Canterbury Cheese Company, Biddenden Vineyard and the Wooden Spoon Company for their generous contributions from Kent.
Photo of French Dignitaries’ Left to right:– Philippe Fait, Mayor of Etaples, Christian Fourdrignier, for and on behalf of the Etaples War Veterans, and Gaston Callewaert, President of Le Touquet Etaples Rugby Club.
Photo of French Dignitaries’ Left to right:– Philippe Fait, Mayor of Etaples, Christian Fourdrignier, for and on behalf of the Etaples War Veterans, and Gaston Callewaert, President of Le Touquet Etaples Rugby Club.
Alex Douse, organiser, said “none of this would have happened without the award of a £2000 grant from Folkestone Town Council, to whom we are extremely grateful. Folkestone Rugby Club welcomes children from all abilities and backgrounds to play rugby – a sport that can help develop better concentration, discipline, tolerance, determination and respect. This has been a great start to a new initiative and Folkestone Town Council has contributed to the health and well-being of some of its youngest residents.”
Folkestone Under 10’s needed to learn quickly as there were many new elements played at this level in France not employed in the English game. In particular handing off was something the young Folkestone side found difficult to counter during their initial clash against a strong powerful French team. The visitors just could not get into their tackling game and the locals won convincingly 4-1.
Next the Stones team took advantage of a learning opportunity by watching the clash between the two French teams.
Next the Stones team took advantage of a learning opportunity by watching the clash between the two French teams.
Educated, the Folkestone team were determined that the second encounter would be a different story. Three successive powerful tackles by the visitors set the foundation that established their self belief. Within the first 5 minutes the scoreboard showed Folkestone 3 tries ahead with no reply. Given this cushion it allowed bench rotation and an opportunity to share the spoils among the team. The local team used their own bench to good effect that slowed the score rate but it was not enough as Folkestone completed the job by winning 10 tries to 4.
The Under 12’s had a fantastic afternoon, taking on two teams, playing to French rules on a larger pitch and for longer games than are played in England. Taking an early lead in their first game, the boys were relentless in their attack and ruthless in their defensive play, resulting in a 15-0 victory. Etaples and Le Touquet fielded a stronger team for a more challenging second game, ending in a 11-1 victory to Folkestone.
Team Captain, Benito Decicco, said "I felt so proud to captain such a great team, they worked so hard! There were some fantastic runs, great side stepping, nifty moves and some crunching tackles! We all love rugby and it showed!"
Coach, Mark Bugden, said “my fellow coaches and I are so proud of how the boys represented their club and country. They played fantastic, exciting rugby and as always received warm complements about their sportsmanship and generosity of spirit.”
Folkestone families enjoyed warm and generous hospitality from their French hosts as they soaked up the atmosphere and feasted on good old fashioned rugby fare, French style, whilst watching the other big game of the day.
Au Revoir Le Touquet Etaples! A bientot!
