caldy players at england junior touch rugby nationals

Six young Caldy players were recently selected to play for the North West Blades in the England Junior Touch Nationals. Four were making their debuts: Jack Hughes for U12s, Josh Hughes, Frankie Wheeler & Toby Smith for U14s, whilst Josh Greig & Ollie Smith returned to the U14s & U17s for their 2nd Nationals.

A strong squad, with 6 teams across the categories, the NW had undefeated teams in the Boys 12s, Boys 14s & Boys 17s at the end of the first day. The 17s faced their toughest opposing teams on the Sunday & despite their best efforts found themselves in the 3rd place playoffs.

A repeat of last year’s fixture, where they narrowly lost to SE Taipans, this year they triumphed, winning 6-1 to secure a well-earned 3rd place.

The 14s Broncos team had a competitive 2nd day, topped off with a ‘drop off’ ( like extra time, but with gradually fewer players on the pitch to increase the tension ! ) which they won 1-0, gaining them 5th place.

The 12s & 14s Bulls continued their success throughout the second day, with both earning their places in the finals, which were live streamed on YouTube with fairly amusing commentary I’ve been told. 12s took the lead 3-2 in the dying seconds of the game to emerge as National Champions !

The 14s Bulls final followed soon after with an equally nail-biting game ; NW winning 5-4 to secure their ‘gold’ medals !

Congratulations to all the players, a brilliant weekend of touch; you did yourselves, Caldy & the NW team proud.

If this inspires any other players to take up Touch Rugby at Caldy, please contact Shaun Thomas email [email protected] or phone 07976280115