Sunday 30th May. In glorious weather, our age-grade teams enjoyed thier fifth and final week of competitive rugby as our age-grade teams welcomed Sefton, Aldwinians, Broughton Park and Lymm to Eccles. Match reports and photos are posted below for your enjoyment.
We've experienced over a year without rugby and despite the difficulties, challenges and injuries that naturally occur when returning from such a long suspension, we hope players and parents have still enjoyed this somewhat abreviated M&J season and being back at the club.
As a break from tradition (where we normally recuperate May-September) this summer the club has seeded its pitches early so we can make full use of the facilties right through June, July and August with a variety of sports activities and social events for members. Please check out the calendar here https://eccles.rfu.club/news/summer-season-2021
Please check with your coaches and managers for your team summer plans and your presentation evenings, which commence in June.
We look forward to seeing you at the club over the summer. Membership for the new 2021/22 season will open in August.
U7s v Sefton (Home)
Well, the last match of the season. Sefton came to Fortress Eccles with only 6 players and 3 of those were only 6 year old so it was decided that it wouldn't be fair to take them to pieces with two very strong Eccles teams on show, so we mixed everyone together made a much bigger pitch and made up two mixed teams and let the chaos ensue.
It wasn't what I had planned but it seemed to work and everyone had a great time with some good skills on show with lots of strong running, some great scores and lots of tags taken. Ellis was the Eccles man of the match chosen by the Sefton coach . What was so good about the matches was that both sets of players blended so well, with the Sefton boys and girls getting as much ball as the Eccles boys. Everybody had a great morning's rugby with the sun shining and a very appreciative group of spectators . So well done boys and girls even your grumpy coach enjoyed himself!
Report: Alan Bent
U8s v Sefton (Home)
U9s v U10s (Home)
U11s v Broughton Park (Home)
After the first water break the Eccles boys were a little too complacent and Broughton Park's team talk spurred them on. The next 10 minutes was a much closer contest, with Broughton breaking the Eccles defence and pulling back a few tries.
The heat was a challenge at times and the drink breaks were well needed after the graft the lads were putting in.
Chris Gaffey gave a clear team talk at half time which had the lads back at it in the 3rd 10 mins with better support, big runs from Billy, an awesome try and some creasing tackles which all saw him earn the Player's Player medal. Owen was awarded Coaches' Player recognition for his attitude, constant pressure and killer tackles. Well done lads!
U11s v Wilmslow/Lymm (Away)
Sunday 13 June. U11s touch rugby tournament. A scorching hot day for some scorching hot rugby at Manchester Rugby Club.
Four games against two very good sides had the lads grafting from the off. The first game against Wimslow showed the boys what touch rugby was all about with Wimslow scoring several very convincing tries. The boys quickly got the hang of it though and improved more and more each game. The commitment the lads showed throughout was commendable considering it was not only their first full game of touch rugby rules but a tournament full of quality teams.
Strong runs from Billy through the middle gained yards everytime and clever passes out wide gave Bryn the chance to show the opposition his pace and a couple of cheeky side steps earned him a quality try. Captain Edward was on it today, running strong, excellent support play and tactical kicking kept the boys spirits high.
Monty kept the momentum going with his fast reactions and Kenzie was always there ready to clear the ball out after the tackle.
Saving the best til last, the final game of the day had the boys in full flow and held Lymm to a very close game. Each of the lads really did step it up and impressed the spectators and Lymm's coach who was very complimentary after the whistle blew. Edward earned himself Players' Player and Kenzie was awarded Coaches' Player.
Thanks to all the parents and players for making the journey and representing Eccles at this very well organised event.
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U15s v everyone (Away)
On Bank Holiday Monday 31st May, Eccles U15s competed with distinction in the Heaton Moor RUFC 7s Tournament in scorching sunshine. 12-player squads from 10 teams (Heaton Moor, Sale, Wilmslow, Liverpool St Helens, Littleborough, Huddersfield, Liverpool Collegiate, Trafford MV, Rochdale and Eccles) competeted in two groups with the leading teams progressing to the knockout stages
