I would like for the whole of the Raleigh Rugby Football Club organization to recognize a fine group of young men that traveled to Charlotte, NC yesterday through some rough weather to take on the Matthews U15 Vipers.
Although not the first Raleigh U15 players to don a Rattlesnake uniform, these young men are the very first Raleigh U15 team to field a total full side in a 12 a side format. (U15 teams play with 12 a side) Well..we only showed up with (11) but the Matthews team was very accommodating by only playing (11) players to match ours.
The Raleigh U15 team took on a big, very experienced and very well coached side on the road in the muck and mud at the Charlotte Rugby Club. Our players put on a show for all the fans. We rucked well, had some great breaks and aside from several infractions and inexperience, which will all no doubt be remedied as the season progresses, the Matthews club gave us a thumbs up on bringing in what will become a good team.
Good news is that we were fast, physical and won several scrums downs against a BIG pack.
When we lost a player to injury, Matthews again offered to send us one of their players. Our players appreciated the offer, but they elected to play short with only 10.
Special group of young men. Thanks also to Coach Steve Fediuk for a making a positive impact with the team.
Afterwards, our team experienced a really good HOSTING by the Matthews club and got to meet many of their players and coaches. Friendships were formed and we will see them again on April 14th when we host them.
Stay tuned as we kickoff with scrimmages against North Raleigh, Chapel Hill and Ballentyne on the 25th of March (Sunday). We will look to fill a match for March 17th or 18th for the U15 teams.
Respectfully,
Tommy Myatt
Raleigh Youth Rugby U-19, U-15, U-13, U11 and U-9 Youth Divisions of the RRFC, Inc.
Youth Teams, Men’s Vipers & Women’s Venom- All teams within the same Raleigh Rugby Club
Many Teams! One Great Rugby Club! www.raleighrugby.org