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WORTHING TOUR REPORT: A GREAT TIME HAD BY ALL ON AND OFF THE FIELD

WORTHING TOUR REPORT: A GREAT TIME HAD BY ALL ON AND OFF THE FIELD

Hadee Fayaz6 May 2023 - 11:40

writes Jonathan Landi

The Enfield Tigers Tour to Worthing May Day Bank Holiday Weekend 2023: A great time on and off the field

The Enfield Ignatians girls’ section was well represented at the Worthing May Day Bank Rugby Festival, with the U18s, one of three age groups represented, making it through to the third place play-off.

Part of a cluster side, after combining forces with Old Alleynians, they made a strong start after winning two of their three games on day one, which included a victory over the Aylesford Bulls.

The side recorded a further victory over the latter side on day two, but otherwise suffered two narrow defeats to Welwyn and Hitchin.

Despite this, the combined U18s progressed to the third/fourth place final, with Hitchin again proving their nemesis, following a further narrow defeat, which meant the consolation prize of fourth spot.

So it seems pertinent to acknowledge the contributions of Niamh, Jess and Sasha, Kenzie, Holly and Nish.

The U12s and U16s sides were both victims of slow start starts, as both age groups lost their opening two games, although in each case they rebounded strongly.

However, the improvements on day two were tangible, and although the U12s failed to make the plays offs, a subsequent five match unbeaten run catapulted them to fifth (out of 12) in the rankings.

Clearly unrecognisable from the hesitant outfit which began the tournament, even some opposition coaches voiced their surprise at the improvements made on day two.

So really well done to Eleanor, Rosie J, Rosie B, Mollie, Esmira, Sophia, Emily, Ella, Amy and Charlotte.

The Enfield Tigers’ U16s were another case in point as the initial defeats ruled them out of the play-offs.

However, if anything, the losses galvanised the team which won their subsequent three fixtures on Saturday, before extending their winning streak to five, 24 hours later.

The Sunday wins included the prestigious scalp of hosts Worthing, and with their defence much improved, the U16s finished on a high.

However, there’s no denying that the U16s played some fantastic rugby and scored some great tries, and so well done to Issy, Cassi, Cadence, Eliza, Emeka, Iza, Emily, Megan, Anne, Selma, Lila and Chloe.

Enfield Tigers; head coach Tom Mann said: “Results aside, the tour was more about a celebration of the season, our collective progress and fun. All players got on really well with each other and their opposition. Our players showed great respect for each other, the opposition and officials.

“They partied as hard as they played, embracing fancy dress and Hawaiian shirt nights, with lots of Dads (and Mums) dancing, and [there was] a particularly impressive Conga.

“All parents involved themselves in the spirit of the tour, and provided great support to the players - conducting themselves in an exemplary fashion at all times - even in the bar.

“A great big thanks to them for enabling their daughters to join the tour and for being such fun. A big thanks to Dell-Boy and Man-Without-Fancy-Dress for supporting our tour. The court sessions were great fun and enjoyed by all, even those eating after-eights with roll-mop herrings garnished with garlic mayo and meal worms- a breakfast fit for kings!

“A big thanks also to all coaches, the Queen Mum, Sir David Attenborough, Dennis the Menace (who also reffed), the man with the pink buoyancy aids (???), Brian May and Freddie Mercury.”

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