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Old Penarthians RFC - Mini & Juniors Presentation Day

The Old Penarthians RFC recently held their annual Presentation Day to celebrate the success of all those involved in the club’s Mini & Juniors section.  Formed in 2010, the section goes from strength to strength with nearly 300 boys and girls calling Old Penarthians RFC their club.

Inclement weather in the build up to Saturday did nothing to dampen spirits and a dedicated team of volunteers arrived at the club hours before the main event to pitch tents, gazebos and prepare the barbecue.  Fortunately, a break in the weather allowed the now traditional Kids v Parents games to go ahead in their usual competitive manner, i.e. with the Dads thinking they're better players than they are and the kids victorious. 

With the games out of the way, it was down to the main awards ceremony.  The club were once again joined by Fa’ao Filise of Cardiff Blues and Tonga to present the awards, along with former Cardiff Blues and Wales player Tom Shanklin.  Reflecting the strong links within the club between it's Senior and Junior sections, outgoing 1st XV Captain Jonathan Crimp was joined by newly appointed Skipper Rhys Lakin and several other players as well as Club Honorary Treasurer Nigel Williams to take part in the day. 

Unfortunately the date clashed with several other events including a Year 6 school trip and soccer tournament which resulted in a number of absentees, however the usual excitement and anticipation was clear to see as the first awards were presented. Most Improved Player, Player of the Year and Clubperson are the three main awards presented to every age group from Under 6s through to Under 15s and whilst there is obvious disappointment for those who miss out on an award, it is pleasing to see the the pride that the winning player’s teammates take in the awards earned by their friends. 

Special mention must however go to one of our founding Minis & Juniors members, Georgia Morgan. There from the very start of the section, and rarely, if ever absent, Georgia sums up what it is to play rugby.  Rugby rules prevent mixed teams from playing after Under 13 meaning this will be the last we see of Georgia (for now) in an Old Pens jersey.  Her coach Mark Edwards paid tribute to her by saying “she has been far and away the best player for the team but also a strong member of that team.  Making the unprecedented step as the first girl to play representative rugby for Vale Schools, Georgia has been more than a match for her male contemporaries.”  He went on to say “whilst it would be great to see Georgia back in Old Pens colours as part of the recently established OPRFC Women's Team, he expects her to represent the club at a much higher level”, something that many agree with.

Another Presentation Day done and another season complete, all of which would not be possible without the coaches who give up their time, volunteers, parents, grandparents, sponsors and most importantly - the players. See you for preseason!

If you're interested in playing rugby yourself or have children who would like to play, please contact the OPRFC Club Coaching Coordinator on 07884 362393 or email coaching@oprfc.wales