LAND ROVER PREMIERSHIP RUGBY CUP HUGE SUCCESS AT KINGSTON PARK
Newcastle Falcons hosted an exciting under 11 and under 12 grassroots tournament this weekend, the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup, with over 50 teams involved in the LRPC and the accompanying development festival, the weather held out to provide a great day of rugby for local juniors.
The day began at 10am with the group games kicking off in some winter sun on Kingston Park’s west pitch and bullocksteads sports ground. There were over 75 games played between the U11 and U12 competitions. We were delighted to welcome teams who travelled from all corners of the North East and Cumbria including Scunthorpe, Duns, Penrith and Yarm.
Falcons players were in attendance to give the teams a boost throughout the morning. Alex Crockett, Oliver Tomaszczyk, Harrison Collins, Sean Brown, David Nelson and Craig Willis were taking a tour of the festival giving hints and tips to the junior teams. They were also on hand to sign autographs and take photos with the kids and spectators. Footage of their visit can be seen here.
In addition, the Land Rover Spirit of Rugby Award, which goes to a team who demonstrated the values of rugby, was chosen by the players. This was awarded to Billingham RFC U12 who showed a very positive attitude throughout the day continuing to support each other and go into every fixture with an optimistic outlook and enjoyment of the day.
Throughout the day Land Rover were on site to provide entertainment with their remote control cars, when the juniors had a festival break they could be seen using the mini all-terrain vehicles to negotiate the obstacle course.
At the conclusion of the tournament, the winners of each group were determined and semi- finals were played. This resulted in the Under 11’s pool winners Northern & Barnard Castle and U12’s winners Morpeth & Northern coming through to the final. After the festival games were played all of the juniors and their accompanying coaches were invited to watch the Falcons Vs. Harlequins game free of charge.
Half time saw the U11 and U12 finalists invited onto the main pitch to take on the final game. After a great display of grass roots rugby, Northern were victorious at U11 and Morpeth claimed victory at U12 level who will now go onto represent the Falcons at Twickenham at the Aviva Premiership Final in May. We would like to extend huge congratulations to all teams who took part on Sunday, they were a credit to their respective clubs and junior rugby in the region.
We would also like to say a huge thank you to all of the volunteers who gave up their time to assist the running of the festival on Sunday. We had a fantastic response from local referees and rugby fans alike in supporting the Falcons Community Foundation at this event. They were an integral part of the day and were rewarded with some hot food and a seat at the Falcons Vs Quins game.
For more information on the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup please visit: www.premiershiprugby.com/landrovercup
A full video report can be watched here: [http://tyneandwear.sky.com/rugby/video/91386/youngsters-battle-it-out-at-kingston-park-rugby-festival][1]
**NEXT UP FOR FALCONS JUNIORS:**
Flock Christmas Party on Sunday 8th December 2013.
The Flock Party is free for members of our junior supporters club and adults are £15 including a match ticket for Falcons Vs Calvisano which kicks off at 3pm. The party will take place from 1pm-3pm and will include:
– Christmas Quiz with rounds such as- what happened next? And other Christmas fun!
– Free gift for all Juniors
– Falcons players in attendance as well as Flash the falcon
– Face painter and other entertainers.
– Swapshop for your brand new Falcons Cards
– A chance for you to be a Falcons mascot and make up the guard of honour.
– Christmas fancy dress competition & more!
Email theflock@newcastle-falcons.co.uk for more information on how to attend.
[1]: http://The%20story%20can%20be%20read%20here:%20http://tyneandwear.sky.com/rugby/video/91386/youngsters-battle-it-out-at-kingston-park-rugby-festival
