Sunday 25th saw the EIRFC Tigers roar into action again as our girls travelled to Radlet Road and the home of Watford RFC to play two matches of Ready 4 Rugby. The ever-growing Tigers fielded strong teams in both the U13s and U15s in this return fixture. Not having played competitive rugby in any form since the home visit of Watford at the beginning of November last year, both teams where itching to get going.

In glorious sunshine, both teams lined up in this 10-aside game and from the off, it was going to be a fast and furious hour of rugby. In these high-octane games of R4R, where two touches are required to complete the ‘tackle’, the tries came thick and fast as players burst through the first touch and off loaded the ball to a teammate. Many jinking runs and many Jonah Lomu trademark bulldozers were seen in every quarter of the game. If the ball wasn’t going down the middle, it was the numerous flyers on the wings that would have given Brian Habana a run for his money streaking down the sides to dot the ball across the line. As well as the basics, many more subtle skills could be seen across both games as we watched the Tigers implement all the drills they have been learning and practicing so hard while waiting for another match. Do we have the next Emily Scarratt or Poppy Cleall in our midst? All I can say is watch this space!

Both Tigers teams got on the score card first in the opening minutes and from then on it was tit for tat throughout all four quarters with never much between the sides, in both games. Every girl had plenty of game time as they rolled on and off with unlimited substitutions.

With outstanding leadership by captain Niamh, the U15ss were 17 – 16 victors. Then in true Tiger style, gathered on the sides of the U13s pitch to give the biggest roar of the day to Amy, our smallest and youngest Tiger as she streaked away down the touch line for what surely would have been a try in the final seconds of the game, if she had not been pulled up for an unseen knock on in the scramble to gather the loose ball. However the U13s still left the field with a 19 -16 win.

A fantastic afternoon of rugby and a opportunity to see the EIRFC Tigers in their new match shirts of Blue & Gold and carrying their mighty Tiger Logo courtesy of the team sponsor ‘Supplefeet’ and a Jack Petchey Award.

Below are Quotes gathered on the day.
Brian (Coach)
A great example of the rugby family coming together.

Corky (Dad)
Very well played girls and great team spirit - so good to see you all back enjoying your rugby.

Tom (Coach)
Well done all the girls, a great display today and it was particularly nice to see how the sides put the training into practice. Thanks all for coming to watch. Two wins but more important the is the way we played. Well done again.
All good today, the girls practiced what they have been coached and the senior girls stepped up. Really well-done coaches and girls

Gareth (Coach)
U15's Considering the fact that this is the first game for over four months the girls were far from rusty, great running lines, support play in attack and impressive cohesion in defence. The game was played with passion skill and with an overarching sense of fair play. Very proud coach.