🏉 And We Are Back Baby!! 🏉
Try-Line Tilly reporting, and I have some VERY important news…
Between all the reporters here at Yate Rugby, we held a highly competitive, fiercely contested, absolutely-not-made-up Rock, Paper, Scissors tournament to decide who would get the first match report of the season...
And I WON!
Which means I got to cover the return of our Yate, Whitehall & Quins Under 15s combination side last Sunday, and honestly, what a way to kick things off!
A First Run-Out on the 4G!
The lads returned to action with a development match against North Bristol, and with the hard ground causing a few issues, the coaching team hired the 4G pitch at Lockleaze Sports Centre to make sure the boys could get that all-important first run-out of the season.
And boy...
Did they look good!
This was very much a development game, so the coaching team decided to shake things up a little. Players were moved out of their usual positions, giving everyone the opportunity to experience a secondary role and understand more about what their teammates have to do around them.
Because, as we all know, it's easy telling someone where they should be standing when you've never had to stand there yourself! 😂
The newest members of the squad were given plenty of game time, with some playing the entire match, and they certainly made the most of the opportunity.
There was also a brilliant moment when an injury to a North Bristol player meant some of our lads pulled on the opposition shirt to keep the game going.
Now THAT is grassroots rugby.
To every player who swapped shirts for a quarter and gave exactly the same effort for North Bristol as they did for their own team, take a bow, lads. That's what this game is all about.
Some Standout Performances 👏
Where do we even begin?
Rowan was an absolute tackling machine! You genuinely have to remind yourself that he has been playing rugby for less than a full season. His progress has been incredible, and it's easy to see why the coaching team awarded him Forward of the Game.
Harry was back doing what Harry does—bossing the forwards around and pulling the pack from side to side. With a few players trying new positions, the new-look pack was really starting to take shape.
And then there was Reniko at prop...
Yes.
PROP.
And then he went and made a break for a try!
Watching a prop go coast to coast is a beautiful thing. I'm not saying we need to start calling him a winger just yet... but I am saying the opposition might want to keep an eye on him! 😂
Tom, playing in his new position at No. 8, was outstanding. Strong, solid carries, great work around the park and somehow finishing the match with just one boot.
Proper No. 8 behaviour, that my boy! 😂
Out wide, Kasper looked solid on the wing and capped off his performance with a brilliant pickup, positive run and his first try. A fantastic moment!
D'Andrew showed some serious pace, impressive defensive work and some brilliant footwork, earning himself Back of the Game.
And I have to say, I think he may have been trying to follow in the footsteps of our very own Ini Kamoze... aka Seb Kitson.
If you get that reference, congratulations, you are officially showing your age! 😂
Seb himself controlled the attack brilliantly throughout the match and deservedly picked up the Captain's Player of the Match award.
Elsewhere, Tait had a great game while experimenting with his new positions, while Jacob's move from the forwards into the backs showed exactly why he could be a difficult player to stop this season.
Lyndon also decided to unleash his attacking instincts! Watching one of the team's strongest defensive players turn things on in attack was brilliant to see.
And alongside him, Lucas Iles' work rate was absolutely relentless.
The Biggest Surprise?
Honestly, one of the most impressive things for me came at the final whistle.
The lads walked off the pitch and you genuinely wouldn't have guessed they'd just played a full match!
The fitness levels were seriously impressive, and credit has to go to the players and coaching team for the hard work being put in behind the scenes.
Of course, it was a development game, and there are always things to learn, improve and build on, but I can guarantee the coaching team are already planning the next sessions and figuring out how to take this squad forward.
But for now?
What a start.
New players settling in. Players trying new positions. Teammates swapping shirts to support the opposition. Great rugby. Great fitness. Great attitudes.
And most importantly...
A team that looks ready for the season ahead.
Well done, lads, you looked awesome! 💙🏉💚
Here's to a fantastic season ahead for the Yate, Whitehall & Quins Under 15s!
Try-Line Tilly, reporting from the first Rock, Paper, Scissors champion of the season... and hopefully not the last! 😂🏆
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