Sunday was a big day for the U9’s. After much anticipation we had our first contact match! Not surprisingly there were some pre-match nerves, mainly from the parents and coaches, but it was Sunderland’s first contact match too. So to settle everyone, Damien from Sunderland’s coaching team kindly ran a short joint training session going through all the key points for a tackle, cheek to cheek, tower of power and ring of steel. With that out of the way everyone was ready to go!

Every single one of the U9’s put in a sterling effort. Some taking it naturally, getting stuck in from the off, while others took a little longer to build their confidence up. But after 30mins…TAG rugby? What’s that?

As well as some quality tackles, with several notable try savers, there was also the usual darting runs and bursts of pace from the teams racing snakes. In a new development transition to contact we were also able to deploy our wrecking crew, using their power to move forward and create space. Support play was excellent, and as a coach that is always pleasing to see, which creates loads of outstanding team tries.

Well done to all the kids, they were a credit to the club and their parents. Thank you to the parents for their ongoing support and finally thank you to Sunderland for giving us a cracking morning of sport.