British Colleges National 7s Competition.
By Pete Glackin.
May 13 2013
2013 Runners Up.
Coventry RFC & Henley College Coventry Development Centre was in fine form in the National 7s competition at Longton RFC with two teams entered in to the Performance and Participation competitions.
Current holders of the Performance competition C&H looked to have a tough afternoon in store with a group of elite colleges to face linked to premiership clubs Saracens, Exeter and Championship Bristol. This however had no effect as C&H stormed through the first two games beating Birmingham Met 10 – 0 and Greenhead College 24 – 7.
The third game was pitched against Bishop Burton College who had won both their games until C&H tore them apart with a professional performance winning 22 – 0. Filton College (Bristol) ran out winners in following tie 25 – 5 which was to be the only loss of the afternoon as C& H stormed to victories over Oaklands College (Saracens) 26 – 10 and Bicton College (Exeter) 15 – 0. At total of 17 trys scored finishing runners up to Filton College by a total of 6 points in a close finish to the competition. Some outstanding performances superbly led by captain Josh McNulty with excellent displays from Jake Smith and Lewis Collins in attack and Troi Coleman in defence in a whole hearted squad affair.
The Participation squad had 3 excellent wins from 5 games with wins recorded against Birmingham Met College, Oaklands College & Stoke 6th Form finishing 5th in the league standings with impressive Chris Thompson topping the scoring charts for C&H with 7 trys.
An outstanding afternoon of rugby by both squads finishing the season on a high along with 4 players gaining England Colleges 7s selection for forthcoming tournaments.
Players of the Tournament:
Performance Competition – Troi Coleman
Participation Competition – Chris Thompson
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I know a 16 year old who was recently approached at Henley to join the academy rugby squad after filling in at wing in a couple of sessions. He is a flying machine and six feet four, but he told me these lads are so unbelievably good he declined the offer to concentrate on his own sport. High praise indeed from a sportsman of the same age in the college.
Well done Cov-Henley.
covmick/Michael Carter
Quote:covmick/Michael Carter
Well done all at Henley, Another good season. But the problem is what happens to the lads who are now over the age group. Plenty of teams who will welcome them back around the city with open arms, they have come form their hard work along with the schools and Minis and Juniors. As for the Coventry angle these young men should be playing in Coventry Extras along with some wise old heads. But once again money is the problem. I do not have any answers to solve this problem, apart from winning the lotto/Euro. But some good link up with a club in the city could be the solution. As the poster street posted on another thread.
covmick/Michael Carter
Agreed Mike, but dont forget these guys are studying A level equivalents (BTEC level 3). They all hope to go on to higher education and perhaps Uni, so may not be "lost" to rugby altogether. Some will go back to local clubs but many will go through the varsity and BUCS systems and could go further this route. But whatever route they go, they will be educated and employable young men maybe even professional rugby players.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:05:13:20:57:47 by covkid53.