At the start of the season no one knew if we would have a team to enter in to any league, numbers were low as we had or was losing a lot of boys from the end of last season, so the club made the decisions to make a combined U17/18s Colts team, come September and registration for the new season we waited to see how many lads we would get, to make up the squad for the start of the season. We shouldn't of worried, with 24 boys signing on. When I look back now I said we was in for an exciting season, the boys didn't let us down more importantly they didn't let themselves down. The standard of rugby was high, as Richard Tafa taking the Head Coaching spot, the lads had a wealth of knowledge and experience to tap into. The lads soon got to know each other and formed a good bond within the squad finding their spot and positions within it, each and everyone of them playing their part in the success of the season. A conversation I had with our Director of rugby Martin Whitcome, he said you have to look at the whole season to define a team and its performance, I don't think the Colts did to bad really, Richard Tafa soon brought the Colts training in line with the senior section of the club, the boys trained along side the first and second team player at the start of the sessions, then splitting off on there own to work on the drills and style of rugby Tafa wanted them to play for the season. It was evident the senior had taken the Colts under their wings passing on their experience to help the Colts confidence, this played it's part in the way the Colts played over the season.
Am not going to bore everyone with stats but Oh wai go on then. The Colts played 24 games winning 14 of them drawing 1, losing 8.
Its they way the lads joined together becoming good friends on and off the field, that made for such a great season, with everyone enjoying themselves this was evident in their performances to which they had a true team spirit,never gave up was always looking to better the last performance.
We was by no means the biggest team/squad in the Division but that never stopped the lads as they showed the had grit and determination plus biggest hearts. Win or lose to see the smiles on each and everyone of them after the games made us as coaches and parents so proud. The Colts can also be proud of playing their part within in the 1st and 2nd team squads, this season with no fewer than 9 Colts either starting on the bench or in the starting line up of the first and second teams this season.
So today for the squad to be confirmed as the U17/18 Division 3 champions is amazing also shows the caliber of players coming through to senior squad's there are some fantastic player, their a set of fantastic lads so would love for you all to join me in saying a big WELL DONE to this years U17/18 Colts.
Well done lads so proud of each and everyone of you, its been a pleasure getting to know you all and your Team Manager.