News & match reports
A coach's tale - by Aidan Byrne
4th May 2010
No apologies to anyone for being slightly nostalgic – however 12 years ago I went down to Lewes Rugby club with my five year old son, Ryan, to play rugby. Like most boys all he wanted to do was run around with a ball and have some fun. I met Gareth Bowen and Kiwi Brister, parents who I had played rugby with and Russell Dean whom I had played against. There were other’s Martin, David Tory – loads more. Our one common aim was to give the boys a platform to run around and enjoy themselves. Along the way new players came along, the guys from Seaford, the Uckfield lot, some guys from Heathfield. We even had an Eastbourne renegade!
I believe the first Coach was Martin and then Russell took over, Gareth got involved at the under 13s and I started just after. Shane then was not at the meeting when we co-opted him onto the committee. The team used to be a “one trick pony” – give the ball to Tom Bowen and he would score. However around U14 level they started operating as a squad and become very successful, in spite of the coaches best efforts. This attracted some better players and the squad totally dominated their age group year in Sussex Rugby.
In my opinion the success of this squad had been down to the “guys on the team”, what a surprise, and they have supported the coaches in our endeavours to get the best side that we can on the pitch. The parental support has been brilliant, without their assistance it would be impossible. The parents have helped explain some of the harder decisions taken, regarding selection, to the guys in a sympatric manner. Today was equally difficult and genuinely – those not in the starting line up are great – it is difficult when you have such a great squad splitting it down to 15 starters.
The victory today was a “Squad Victory” from George Dean, the Captain, at No.1 through to No. 33 on the Squad – Seb Lampard. There was no “one trick pony”.
Guys – it has been an absolute hoot, thanks to everyone along the way.
I genuinely cannot believe the enjoyment we have all had along the way. For what it is worth - I still reckon I am a better hooker than Hocking, Fimler or Rawson and look young enough to be in the squad.
Above is a picture of the team in its younger years, Front Row are Tristan, Charlie, Charlie, Tom, Ryan and George, Backrow are Matt, Aaron and Tristan.
Other pics will be sent when I have them loaded.
The match report is as rubbish as ever – in case nobody noticed – I make it up and it has only a loose association with the events on the park – the score is usually right, not sure about the events of play up to it and who scored – but what the hell, it gives the sentiment of the events of the day.
Article by 3
More Photos >>
| Facebook