On Friday 8th March 2024, the MSSP 5/6 Tag Rugby Borough Championships took place at Old Ruts RFC. 18 primary schools from the Merton Borough took part in the event, meaning we had over 180 children in attendance. In the morning session, schools were split into three groups of six across 6 pitches, with all schools having the opportunity to compete for the top spot in their pool and thus the chance of qualifying for the final bronze, silver and gold medal positions in the afternoons knock out matches.
The dry and sunny conditions for the duration of the tournament ensured that spectators were treated to some sublime attacking rugby, with a boat load of tries being scored across the 6 pitches. The standard of rugby produced in the mornings pool matches by all schools was absolutely fantastic, and it was clear that every team in attendance had trained hard back at school in preparation for the tournament to perfect their attacking play as well as their organisation in defence. The mornings standout performers were Bishop Gilpin, Poplar and St Teresa’s Primary schools who all managed to secure the top three qualifying positions and would therefore battle it out against each other for the chance to become the tournament champions. All remaining schools would play a further three competitive matches in the afternoon against the three teams that finished in the same position as them in the corresponding groups.
During the lunch break and for the afternoon session, we were delighted to be joined by members of the London Broncos team who are the professional rugby league side based at the Plough Lane Stadium in Wimbledon. The London Broncos play in the national Super League competition for rugby league, and the children were not only given the opportunity to get some 1-1 coaching, photos and autographs from 1XV players Jack Hughes, Jenson Monk and Harry Stevens. But were also able to rub shoulders with “Buck” the Broncos mascot. Buck proved to be a real hit with the children and to no surprise got absolutely mobbed for photos and autographs.
The afternoons matches were equally of a really high quality, especially as teams had now had a number of matches under their belt to fine tune their attacking support play and defensive systems. What was most pleasing was that every child had a massive smile on their face for the duration of the tournament, and the level of sportsmanship and respect that each school showed their competitors win, lose or draw was really impressive. This was optimised by the boys and girls from Holy Trinity Primary who received the most votes from the rest of the competing schools to be deservedly crowned Refspect winners for this tournament. Congratulations guys!
A special mention must also go to St Teresa’s Primary who at the end of the afternoons knockout matches finished an impressive 3rd place overall. Poplar Primary finished a fabulous 2nd place, and Bishop Gilpin Primary who took this tournament by storm, finishing in 1st place to win the accolade of MSSP Y5/6 Tag Rugby Borough CHAMPIONS for 2024. Well done to all of you!
MSSP would like to say a huge thank you to Old Ruts RFC for the use of their outstanding facilities and pitches, as well as a big thank you to the Year 10 Sports Leaders from Rutlish School who officiated the matches superbly.
A final thanks to the members of the London Broncos for coming down to support today’s event, and we hope lots of you will continue to go down and support them in their up-and-coming home fixtures in Wimbledon over the next few months. UP THE BRONCOS!!!!
