Congratulations to seven Eccles U16 players - Matthew Houghton, Matthew Gardiner, James Edwards, Harry Peacock, Chayse Quigley, Sam Dixon and Jack Costello - who were selected to represent Lancashire U16s vs Cheshire at Lymm RFC on Sunday.
The players were divided into two squads, with the first game kicking off at 1.30pm, in which Eccles U16 Captain Matty scored the final try in a 19-19 draw. The second game kicked off at 2.30pm; following which there was a county tie presentation for the players.
The Homegrown Eccles players were selected from the Sale Sharks North West DPP programme, which aims to provide a competitive rugby experience at the next level after club representation, as part of a player development journey. This season Eccles RFC had 10 of its U16 players involved in the first stage DPP assessment before the shortlisting for county selection and the other players may still yet receive a call up for future fixture opportunities in the New Year.
Chris Gaffey, Eccles RFC chairman commented “The club and myself are proud of the player's county achievement. Since the return of rugby activities following the pandemic lockdown, the whole U16 squad has shown great commitment and enthusiasm for their training. Their success as individuals and as a team, is a reflection of their determination and self-belief, and a testament to the quality and depth of coaching available to youth players at our club. We have high hopes for this group who are showing great promise. Many of them are working towards a Duke of Edinburgh Award alongside their rugby at the club, and we look forward to seeing their development as players and young men.“
Junior Rugby Membership at Eccles RFC includes playing kit, full use of our facilities and hot food in our clubhouse after games. If you have a son or daughter at high school or college interested in developing and enjoying thier rugby at Eccles, or if you are interested in our Community Rugby Coach coaching at your school or college, please drop us an email at info@ecclesrfc.org.uk or send us a DM on Social Media @EcclesRugby and we'll put you in touch with the relevant person.
