Skills and Smiles Galore at End of Season Blitz

One of the organisers, Connacht Rugby's Galway Development Officer Craig Hansberry, said:

"It's a fantastic day out for these young athletes, these participation blitzes are a great way for players to get one last run out before the end of the season. Most of these players aren't involved in playoffs, or have already been knocked out of cups so to be still playing rugby at the end of April is a bonus."

Teams from Westport RFC, Claremorris Colts RFC, Galwegians RFC, Sligo RFC, Ballinasloe RFC and hosts Loughrea RFC played 10-minute matches over two pitches in glorious sunshine at the Ballygasty venue and fine weather, coupled with the lack of pressure of silverware meant for some scintillating action.

Hansberry added:

"From a developmental perspective is brilliant to see these players trying new things, chip kicks, off-loads, skip passes, these are the slightly riskier plays that may not be encouraged during the competitive season, so to see these players enjoying themselves, taking chances, developing new skills, that's what these blitzes are all about."

Games started with a round of rock-paper-scissors to determine who kicked off, an event that drew some of the biggest cheers of the day, and that the tone for an afternoon of silky skills, good humour and plenty of comradery as the Youths rugby season draws to a close.

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• ballinasloe
• claremorris
• galwegians
• loughrea
• minis
• sevens
• sligo
• westport
• youths