As we go to press Longlevens RFC are preparing for the semi-final of the National Junior Vase, the trophy they won at Twickenham last year. Ironically, as defending champions, they now meet Battersea, the team they beat at the same stage last season’s competition. Twickenham is clearly in the Club’s sights, however, it also takes the team a step closer to a dream double of winning both the Vase and League championship, which at this time is a real possibility. It certainly looks as if there is going to be a really exciting climax to the First Team’s season.
However, it is not just the adults who are in contention for trophies. The Longlevens U14’s have again reached the Gloucestershire County Cup Final for the second year running, whilst the U17’s play in the final of the South West Counties Tournament on 29th March at Cleeve RFC.
The U14’s travelled to Clifton, whom they beat in the final last year, and again came away as convincing victors in winning by 22 points to 5.
This U14’s team is coached by Simon and Gill Barton, who between them have been coaching this team since they were U8’s! They have seen the boys grow into a squad, with a strong team ethic and believe that they are more than capable of lifting the cup once more. Gill and Simon think that the Development Player Programme (DPP); which was introduced by Gloucester RFC some four years ago is a significant factor in the improvement of not only the individual players but the team as a whole. The scheme is used to identify young players with potential and offers them the opportunity to develop within the Gloucester Academy framework at Harpbury. Longlevens RFC, benefits from this situation as it has a nucleus of their young players on the scheme, with 6 DPP Players, currently in the U14’s squad! Therefore it is not surprising that in Simon’s opinion at least 4 of their players will be playing in the First team in about 4 years’ time.
The U17 team have shown that they have fully recovered from their defeat in the County Cup Final last season. As Runners Up the team was automatically entered into this seasons South West Plate Competition, in which they are have achieved some notable victories. In the Quarter final they scored over 40 points to beat Salisbury and scored a further 50 points to beat Bradford on Avon in the semi-final. They now meet Cullompton, who are winners of the Cornish section of the Competition, in the final. A tough match is expected but the Longlevens lads are very confident of going all the way. There is an added incentive as the winning team then progresses to a match against the winners of the South East Plate, before competing in a National final.
This season the team has been involved in some tough matches whilst playing against U18’s teams, who take a more physical approach. However, they have coped well and benefit most from this experience, when they revert back to playing against opponents in the U17 age category in Cup competitions. Tom Barton and George Evans are key members of the squad. George is a Prop with a sound scrummaging technique, whilst Tom is a talented Full Back who has scored 18 tries already this season. So look out you First team players as both Tom, George and other members of the squad will be seeking First team opportunities once they reach the age of 18.
The Rugby club at Longlevens is obviously getting the right balance between the development of players at all levels and the achievement of success in Competitions. No wonder there can be as many as 200 children of all ages enjoying and developing their rugby skills on Sunday mornings at the club. The Club as a whole certainly deserves it’s success!
No comments:
Post a Comment