Oh lordy! how to sum up a major weekend of rugby for our Band of Brothers & Sister with a great family weekend to-boot. In 24hrs we’ve had players joining, players connecting with players, players supporting players, elation, surprises but most of all fun. We’ve even unknowingly modified TREDS to TREEDS which if I’m honest sounds cool & we’ll ensure we patent it!!?? Firstly thank you Mom’s, Dad’s, Grandpa’s, Grandad’s, Grandma’s, Nan’s, Nanna’s, Brothers, Sisters, Steps Brother’s, Step Sisters, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins(if I’ve missed one I’m sorry, but now I say thank you to you all).Your support this weekend both in the Prima Cup and 20+ training on a chilly Sunday morning proves we have something right, we may hiccup along the way but we only have 6yrs to get this right, then they are big kids playing big rugby but with the ethos learnt through the years.??
I want to mention training first and a big welcome to Harvey who joined the Band of Brothers & Sister this morning, he’s transitioned from our opposition last week to a friend this week, so welcome on board Harvey & we look forward to your success with Nuns U10’s.

Onto the Tigers day Out. Short bus trip to Leicester, 1 double decker (rustic style.. The kids loved it!) & a luxury coach with toilet & reclining seats too! Only downside on the coach.. ‘Poj! he found the microphone, luckily too late to annoy the driver.? Now the day….Oh my lord how cold was it?! Shivering and a shaking in front of thousands on the ‘Field of Dreams’ that is Welford Road (I have Poetic licence as I am A TIGGGEEEERS Fan). We had large flags, high winds, what could go wrong! Luckily, we nail gunned their feet to the ground or else we’d still be searching roof tops and trees like Mary Poppins!

We had smiles, laughs the whole lot, ‘Hi fives’ with the crowd & what an entrance, Nun’s hats in the crowd shouting Hi! brilliant...Now here they come with Big Dan Cole at the front, we watch them thunder past…then as told!! we’re off with elegance and grace back to our corner, but NO! we’re one short coming off the pitch!! In the back ground following up is ‘Coach Craig’ with leather soled shoes known for their grip and stability on the best of pitches or as I recall what looked like a ‘tap dancing Bruce Forsyth’ style run whilst trying to look cool!..Memories.? We eat, we drink, we laugh, we joke altogether as we watch the game that’s ends in a ‘WIN’.

Now the start to the Prima Cup on the 1st team pitch AT Welford Road!! I was happy!! A proud coach & dad watching this day unfold on the hallowed turf (yes I’m milking it! I’m a lyrical poet & you didn’t know it, lol). Breaking it down we all came to support the U10’s as a Team and as FUN is our ethos, our mantra our sole aim!! We all felt we got this far, having fun & had a great day.

We were ushered onto the pitch, a quick photo then into the corner for a chat & wake up….The next 10-15 minutes made us as Coaches so proud, when all the talking was done and we were quietly warming up as a TEAM the voices of those not playing could be heard wishing them all luck in our 25 lad & lady huddle. Memories ?!! They are great memories & that moment was priceless!

Now 15 confident players walked onto a pitch supported by their team-mates & families… it raised the cold nervous 15, to an eager, fun loving, excited 15… in seconds.

The Games: Now it was down to playing rugby, 1 x referee, 2 linesmen, coaches in their boxes, 92 supporting voices from Nuneaton & them thinking for themselves!! All official just like on TV ?..It was physical and not pretty at times but that’s the game. If I’m honest I forget most of the detail as I’m watching them work hard, run together, watching every ruck, every tackle to make sure they get up.. but the enjoyment had me laughing and smiling with those around me at the same time… The photo’s to come will remind me and show you the game! The energy! The flow most of all the spectacle that was our lads playing for The Team.. Nuneaton RFC…Not wanting to let anyone down.. but most of all having fun. With smiles, pats on the back not just after a try but for a tackle, for getting back up after a hit….it was brilliant. Some of the passing was awesome. Talking during & after the game as a Coaching team we can all recall shouts of support & encouragement, the looks of determination & sometimes concern but when you made eye contact with them you were rewarded with smile or a thumbs up so we knew they were enjoying it. I waffle & cannot do any game or session its full justice, but this weekend has been tiring for all, stressful for all but most of all FUN for all!! So thank you again Nuneaton U10’s & Prima for a memory, if you want more detail… ask them who were there when you see them and as coaches we’ll pass on all we’ve learnt to the U9’s for their preparation for the Prima Cup and try to support their journey as best we can.

Thanks Again for your support #rugbyruleswehavememories.