Well, last Saturday’s Tens Tournament surpassed all our expectations: the weather was amazing as was the rugby and of course the hospitality! One of our Marshalls has summed up the day for us alongside some great photographs.

On Saturday 17th July Colchester Rugby Club held their inaugural Tom Miller Tens Tournament at their new ground at Raven Park. Tom’s parents Duncan and Emily attended and presented the trophies to the winning teams at the end of a glorious sunny day.

The event was held in memory of Tom, a Colchester player, who died in a tragic accident last year. Money raised was in aid of Oddballs, a charity Tom was an ambassador for, which raises awareness about testicular cancer.

What a great day it was!

Mens’ and Ladies’ teams from far and wide competed in the Gold, Platinum, Silver and Bronze groups under sunny skies throughout the day. After a year and a half of Covid restrictions, it was a chance for the players, referees, coaches and spectators to enjoy the game they love outdoors and to meet up with friends, some of whom hadn’t seen one another since before the very first lockdown.

27 teams took part, 5 unavailable due to isolation problems, and they ranged from local rivals Thurrock and Westcliff, to other teams from all over East Anglia. Some fun teams added to the mix like the Black BaBas who, when asked where they came from, replied “All over!”

Colchester entered two squads – the Wise Monkeys and the Pickett Select – teams who were eventually to meet in the final at the end of the afternoon with Liam Pickett, oldest of the three brothers, scoring two of the three tries in their terrific win.

Prior to the men’s final the Ladies’ teams from Thurrock and Bury St Edmunds also had a great match with Thurrock running out the winners to make their day! It was great to see the women’s game being played in such numbers and with great support.

It was estimated by the organisers that several hundred people attended what was a fantastic celebration in the true rugby tradition. Special thanks go to all the volunteer helpers, CRFC’s Executive Committee for organising the event, Claire Sellar and Dawn Cook for overseeing the refreshments and Ross Cowie for organising the rugby; getting referees, sorting out the playing order and manning the tannoy.

A good time was had by all!

Steve Whiteman

Thanks Steve - and it’s not over yet! This Saturday 24th July sees an Open Day at the Northern Gateway Sport’s Complex and we are taking part. There will be opportunities to have a go at some rugby skills:

Minis: 9:30 - 11:00

Youth & Adults: 11:00 - 12:30

Tours of the Rugby Club from 9:30 onwards.

BBQ and the BAR opens at 11:00

Hopefully, we’ll see as many of you as can make it - bring your boots!

Now for something completely different…

Believe it or not, we are having to organise our storage areas before the new season starts and this involves disposing of some timber - if you have a wood burner or fire pit then come along to the Club on a Tuesday or Thursday evening between 6:30 and 9:00 and help yourself.

Finally enjoy the first Lions Test on Saturday!

Best wishes to you all and stay safe,

Maggie

President CRFC