On Wednesday 1st February the County Finals of the Norfolk School Games Tag Rugby event were hosted at Norwich Rugby Club.
Schools from across the county had been competing at level 2 events within school sports partnerships to establish qualifiers for the county finals.
There were two competitions running alongside each other. One for 16 primary schools and the other for 13 small schools. Each team consisted of squads of 12 and 10 respectively from Year Groups 4-6. A total of more than 400 participants. Matches were 8 a-side, including at least 2 girls per team and lasted 10 minutes. Sports Leaders from Northgate High – Dereham, Wymondham College, Iceni Academy and Easton College were on hand to officiate each match, after a detailed briefing from the Rugby Football Union team.
Other schools were also invited to attend a festival event hosted by the RFU and again supported by the Sports Leaders. This enabled some less experienced children to enjoy some development skills coaching and some competitive action.
Despite a heavy early mist the action got underway by 11.15am. Schools had been placed into Groups of 4 and played each other in a Round Robin format. Once these matches had been completed and lunch consumed, teams continued to play in new Round Robin groups (top eight teams in the cup competition and the other eight in the plate competition) depending on where they had finished in the morning groups.
After the second round of group matches, each school had played 6 matches. it was then time for the finals. The pitches were just about holding up and it was great to see so many smiley faces, who all seemed to be enjoying the wet and muddy conditions.
Final Standings:
Large Schools – Cup Competition
- Robert Kett
- Fakenham
- Hillcrest
- Wicklewood
- Millfield
- Toftwood
- Coltishall
- Carbrooke
Large Schools – Plate Competition
- Notre Dame
- North Wootton
- Attleborough
- Blofield
- Homefield
- Firside
- Woodlands
- St Francis of Assisi
Small Schools – Cup Competition
- Downham Prep
- Salhouse
- Gt Hockham
- Gresham Village
- Bawburgh
- Spooner Row
- Wreningham
- Glebe House
Small Schools – Plate Competition
- Methwold
- Kenninghall
- Northwold
- Langham
- Fairhaven
It was a fantastic day of rugby, with over 100 matches being played.
At the morning briefing players were made aware of the core values of both the School Games and the Rugby Football Union. Players and Staff were invited to nominate anybody for a Sportsmanship Award. This award was for showing the following attributes: respect, honesty, teamwork, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship.
Nominations came in thick and fast, with over 20 players receiving a Sportsmanship Award.
The 2017 Norfolk School Games Finals continue on Friday 10th February when the Yr 3-6 Cross Country Finals takes place at Gresham’s School in Holt.
