Tag Rugby

The Bidborough Rugby Team, or the Mighty Bidborough as they became known, played in the primary school tournament at TWRFC on Wednesday. The conditions were difficult, with plenty of rain and a very slippery ball.  The tournament was for years 5 and 6, with 20 teams competing from school across Kent and Sussex. All the Year 6 Bidborough children were away, so our team comprised pupils from Year 5 only. It was a mixed squad of 10 boys and girls, with 6 members of the squad having never played rugby before.

The team were fantastic! We lost our first game, but soon learnt how to play both rugby and as a team, winning the next 4 games in a row.  This meant the team reached the semi-final. We lined up against a huge Bishops Down team (no exaggeration; one of their players was 6ft 2in!) and we fought hard, losing narrowly 5-3.

Most pleasing was not the result, but the way we played the game. We not only showed all the school values, but also played to the Rugby Core Values.

Teamwork: Every single member of the squad played hard and they played for each other. We didn’t just pass to the people who had played rugby before, we made sure everyone in the team was included. The highlight was a team try in which every member on the pitch touched in a fluid passing move, culminating in a try in the corner from Charlie. The opposition coach commented on what a high-quality team we had following the final whistle. 

Respect: The team were always respectful to the opposition, the referee and to each other. The referee commenting on how loud our three cheers were for the opposing team at the end of each game.

Enjoyment: Everyone really enjoyed it, with the 4 girls in the team- Isla B, Grace, Catherine and Sally- vowing to take up rugby for Tunbridge Wells next season!  The Tunbridge Wells women’s team coach came over to say how well they had played. 

Discipline: The team listened to everything their coach told them and as a result they showed a marked improvement with every game they played. Their discipline in defence was incredible, especially for those who had only just started playing.

Sportsmanship: Even though the team clearly liked winning, they never boasted and were great sports. They always had a smile on their face and backed each other up.

 It would be unfair to pick a best player because I thought every single player was fantastic and they were all great ambassadors for Bidborough School.

 It was a pleasure coaching them and I hope they will continue to play and enjoy rugby.

I would also like to thank the parents who came to support the children in the pouring rain.

Many thanks,

 Richard (Coach Cooper)