Schools Rugby
I have been against the idea of Schools rugby being the only way into the professional game, but after many years of being against the Schools system, I have to say after going to my 1st game yesterday between Crescent and CBC I have to say my opinion has slightly changed. The quality of the game was fantastic and also the officiating on the day was also of a very high standard. My younger brother is now in the system that we were against for a long time, but as the saying goes “if you can’t beat them join them”.
The level of training that is required for a Senior Cup campaign is also of a very high standard. Players have to train 6 days a week along with doing their own individual work which requires a level of concentration and dedication that has to be admired.
I also have to commend the school for the way that both school work and playing sport for the school goes hand in hand. Also I think the supporters deserve a mention. Both sets of supporters from Crescent and CBC made it a colourful and memorable occasion by getting behind their side from the start to finish.
The coaches that are brought in to coach at schools level are also of a high standard, Conan Doyle and Peter Melia were the coaches yesterday, both quality coaches and they had their teams well drilled and this made for a good spectacle.
The game itself was a very one sided affair, with Crescent winning by 39-0 against a CBC that included Munster Coach Rob Penney‘s son Alex and a few other quality players. Crescent are the defending champions and looked like a team ready to defend their crown with some fantastic displays in attack and defence. Their discipline in defence was a sight to behold and was a mark of a team really in tune with each other and showed the trust that they have in each other.
To sum up my opinion of Schools rugby has slightly changed and cooled but I shall reserve judgement until this campaign comes to a close.
By Cian Mc Gibney.
30-01-2014.
