report by Caroline Jamieson.
Twelve eager young players from the Weston-super-Mare U8s proudly donned their jerseys to represent our club at the U8s tournament hosted by Bristol Bears during one of their Community Days.
As the teams waited for the turnstiles to open, there were a few nervous tummies among our players. However, the excitement could be felt through the air as more teams arrived, creating an electric atmosphere ahead of the tournament.
This was their first attendance at the Bristol Bears' Ashton Gate ground for some players.
Our U8s participated in four exciting matches, facing off against - Old Reds A, Old Reds B, Thornbury, and Gordano Sharks. Throughout the matches, our young players gave their absolute all.
We saw some excellent runs, solid defence, and many tags and tries. Most importantly, the joy and fun they experienced on the field were evident, reinforcing the essence of grassroots rugby.
The refereeing was superb, and it was heartening to witness our players respecting the decisions made and attentively listening to guidance from the referees. This display of sportsmanship reflects the values instilled within our club.
There was even the sighting of Bristol Bears director of rugby Pat Lam walking amongst the matches, Perhaps scouting for future stars.
The tournament was well organised and flawlessly executed, allowing our players to showcase their skills at Ashton Gate. It was a fantastic experience; let's hope there is more like this. Well done to all our players who participated; you made us, and yourselves, proud.
Following the tournament, our players and their families enjoyed the rest of the afternoon at the Bristol Bears game. Some youngsters participated in wheelchair rugby, playing a quick game with rugby personalities David Flatman and Topsy Ojo.
It was then time to take our seats in the stand to witness the Premiership match between Bristol Bears and Sale Sharks.
While the Bristol Bears' Premiership match did not swing in their favour, the overall experience was a triumph for our U8s. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Bristol Bears for providing this unforgettable opportunity.
The day was not just about rugby; it was about building camaraderie, fostering sportsmanship, and creating lasting memories for our young players.
We want to thank all involved in organising this remarkable event and the guys at Weston for establishing our connect club link with Bristol Bears. We look forward to future opportunities that strengthen the bonds within the rugby community.
Weston-super-Mare U8s – Daisie, Alanna, Ronnie, Gillie, Albie, Mate, Stanley, Miles, High, Max, Freddie, Ivy
More photos HERE
