St. Mary’s College RFC U13’s – 02.04.2023
St Mary’s College RFC Under 13’s Boys:
Dual League Finalists
Sunday 2nd April 2023.
This Sunday 2nd of April sees the staging of Leinster Boys Under 13 League Finals in DLSP. There are league finals across four sections (divisions) and both of our St Mary’s College RFC Under 13 teams have the unique distinction of reaching their respective finals.
In the top tier, Our A Team play Old Belvedere A’s (kicking off at 13.30) and in the fourth tier, our B Team play Westmanstown (kicking off at 12 noon).
It is hard to overstate the consistent level of excellence shown by both teams across this season and the quality of coaching that each and every player has received regardless of which team they are on.
In the early part of the season, both teams played five rounds of grading matches – and both teams finished with five wins.
We then entered the leagues proper and the results for the A team were: Played 7, Won 6 (finished joint top), the results for the B team were: Played 7 won 6 (finished second).
To have two teams win a combined 22 out of 24 competitive fixtures is a remarkable testament to the skill and commitment of our players, the dedication and expertise of our coaches, the detailed planning and preparation of the managers and the loyal support of parents / guardians.
We have a squad of ca. 50 players and consistently have 40+ available for every training every session and for selection on match days. There is a unique and exceptionally strong bond within the group encompassing players, coaches, and parents. The teams are coached to play high tempo, expansive rugby, and some of the scores both teams have run up this season have reflected that – it has not been unusual for both teams to play on a Sunday and score a combined 100+ points. Our average points conceded for both teams in the qualifiers was less than five.
It should also be pointed out for good measure that our A Team are contesting the Leinster Boys U-13 Cup Semi Finals on April 23rd.
That having been said, we are under no illusions that both teams will face stiff resistance in their respective finals. The teams they are facing are the only teams to have defeated each team this year. It will take everything we have to get over the line. Old Belvedere are consistently strong at this level while Westmanstown are a one team club which is very challenging for a B Team.
Nevertheless we are looking forward to the challenge and we are confident that this special group will give it everything they have. We can ask no more of them.
For you our club members – if you are available to travel to DLSP and lend your support to these young men, it will be greatly appreciated. You will be in for an exhibition of exciting and positive rugby!