Staff v Students Tag Rugby

It was right and proper that the sun shone yesterday. Chappie had prepared the pitches and the pristine Summer grass was an invitation to run. Over a hundred kids turned up for the end of season rugby Blitz.

Mr. O Brien’s first years teamed up with their older siblings in 2nd year for a full on battle which saw power hits, sweet hands and a youthful camraderie that would soften the hardened souls of old men. Here is where life long friendships are born. At the end it was all chat about the big moments as the lads tucked into a drink and a snack.
Meanwhile on the Senior pitch Head Coach David Quinlan brought together everyone from third year up for a tag rugby tournament. This year’s JCT after their show stopping performance at the talent show had two teams contesting the Plate final. Bragging rites eventually went to the third year team at the expense of their TY counterparts. The Bowl was an all sixth year affair with little between them while the final saw two fifth year teams battle for the ultimate prize – a good augur for next year’s SCT?
There were a few father-son battles with coaches Garry, Ger and Ken showing their sons how to do it. Garry Senior’s pace, and Ger’s slick passing, in particular showed their sons a flash of what today’s youth might be lacking.
And so it was left to finish off the season with a match between Coaches and players. The sixth years hustled and huffed, puffed and bustled but were left chasing shadows. The ref disallowed a perfectly good try by Mr. Murnane and Mr. Nelligan with the line at his mercy knocked on the softest of passes from Mr. J O Brien. Meanwhile the lads couldn’t cope with the pace of Mr. E O Brien, the guile of Mr. Quinlan, the experience of Mssrs. Mc Coy and Quilligan and the creativity of Mr. Rowley. Fortunately for the teachers Mr. Kelly was injured in the warm up.
A fantastic end to a fantastic season.
ofwff!