Ilkeston Festival

Another good year at Ilkeston festival. We arrived bright and early to avoid the queues and were greeted by a party atmosphere, music blasting out and smiles and laughter from volunteers, players and supporters. All of Mosborough players were ready to go and joined their coaches on the appropriate pitches.

Joss and Olivia Walker went around gathering our ruggerbeez for games with other littlies that had come along or the fun. I’m not sure from which clubs they all came running from, but I can tell you there were micros and coaches everywhere with screams of laughter, excitement and encouragement from everyone. I don’t think they really care where they are as long as they have Joss in their sight and a rugby ball in their hands.

Eden had his first ever festival with his U7 squad having theirs too. All bursting with pride as they scored try after try, though Henry Dolman was unsure whether to laugh or cry as everyone cheered when he put the ball over the try line for the first time.

After unavoidable circumstances the U8 just made up their team of six players when Hanlo arrived. They warmed up by doing press ups in the mud and applying ‘war paint’. Whether it was the mud, the team huddle or the pep talk from Ian the boys flung themselves into the game making great full pitch runs and grabbing all the tags as the tumbled to the ground.

A big thank you to Gaz Wiles and Kieron Wood who took an U9 team each as Chop unfortunately had to work. Wow! U9, where have you come from? The games I had the privilege to see, you were second to none. Full red faces and determined expressions. Great teamwork, as one player went in to pick the ball up from a breakdown, others were in position hands at the ready to receive it. Keep up the good work!

U10 set their own benchmark in the first game with ‘3 tries Finley’, yep you guessed it, getting three tries! Ewan took on a very grown up role as captain, when he wasn’t sure of the referee’s call, went to ask for an explanation (taking coach Andy's advice on board). Strong running from Ben, nearly getting from one side of the pith to the other, good job his team mates were there to support.

Even though U11 had some of their players missing, there was no getting away from the fact they were ready to play. George was on the wing and any opposition that dared come near him got swung around and found themselves on the wrong side of the touch line. As the team ran at speed uphill, Jamie Keen showed off his side-stepping skills to Jake and Tom watching from the side line, passing four or five players. Must have really tired them out as Mick has managed to get a good photo of them sat down resting… whats that all about?!

Well finally the U12 have made it to the top pitch, which only means this must have been their last festival. Again, the Easter holidays managed to steal some players but the boys went on with heads held high as Finley Seaman could be heard above the music getting them fired up. The boys drove hard and their defence was excellent, much better than Les and Richards as they got dragged on to the pitch after final whistle to do the floss dance, they even got Matlock involved!!!

So if our juniors spirits, and energy levels are as high on 21st April, it’s going to be a great Memorial Day!

Come on Mosborough RNV Nikki Lidster Junior president