Cumbria Tag Finals Day 2010
Monday 24th May saw a beautiful morning in Keswick, laying the perfect setting for the Cumbria Tag Rugby Finals. After the requirements for the odd raincoat in 2009 it was suncream that was on the shopping list in 2010.
After a packed programme since the Christmas break the top four teams from each of the 6 districts in Cumbria progressed to the finals which replaced the Cumbria Youth Games as a progression in 2009. The new format allows 24 teams to progress rather than the single team which used to progress to the County Youth Games.
The fine weather saw an excellent display of rugby by all teams involved and early pace setters were Westfield, Maryport Juniors, Dane Ghyll and 2009 winners St Marks Natland. The standard of rugby has developed immensely over the years thanks largely to the influence of Community Coaches and the dedication Teaching Staff at the various schools across Cumbria.
As the teams progressed through the pool games in the searing heat the games were limited at 6 minutes one way for the safety of the participants. In the quarter finals which were originally planned for 5 minutes each way the games remained at 6 minutes one way with plenty of time for water breaks and rest. The teams progressing to the semi finals were; Dane Ghyll, St Marks Natland, Westfield and Maryport Juniors all teams which were mentioned earlier and maintained their consistency.
In two closely fought semi finals Dane Ghyll beat St Marks Natland and Maryport Juniors beat Westfield in two very closely fought encounters. Unfortunately Maryport Juniors had to leave and were unable to contest the final paving the way for local rivals Westfield to progress.
The final was an excellent affair which flowed flawlessly from one end to the other. The game was played in a 5 minutes each way format and it was all square at the turning point. In the second stanza both teams came out and again gave an outstanding display given the heat and the amount of activity already endured. With things all square going into the final seconds of the game, a Westfield player managed to break the Dane Ghyll line and offload superbly to a support player to secure the winning try.
It was a remarkable result given the situation with the semi finals but all the plaudits must go to Westfield who were unlucky to lose their semi final, but grasped their opportunity with both hands and secure the Cumbria RFU Tag Finals Shield.
Above Left - Dane Gyhll (Black/White/Blue) with their Runner Up Prizes
Above Right - Westfield (Yellow & Green) celebrate their Winners Prizes
Words and Photo's - Liam Nicholls - Rugby Development Officer (Cumbria)
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