Kendal’s U16 squad of 19 players with 5 invited U15 players loaded up into minibuses and headed off to North Wales for some fun, team building and rugby. Our first port of call was to find our accommodation on the outskirts of Llangollen, Bryntisilio Outdoor Education Centre overlooking the river Dee and the Horseshoe Falls. The boys shedded off into their various bunk rooms as we de-camped the buses and support vehicles. One hour later we headed off to the National White Water Centre, Canolfan Tryweryn. A huge thank you to Bleddyn Lloyd for making this possible from the centre. The boys were split into groups of 6 to fill 4 rafts. The coaches grabbed a well-earned brew and spent time laughing and hoping for kids to fall out of rafts. 3 runs later we were handed back 24 soggy tired and very cheerful teenagers, with some slightly disappointed coaches as there were no men overboard! Once again, the buses were filled, and we made our way back to LLangollen.
A quick turnaround, team photo, and then back out to the Sun Trevor pub for tea. Landlord Paul Jones & wife Katy provided meals that were more than ample to fill up hungry teenagers and supporting parents and coaches. After an almost decent night’s sleep, possibly a bit variable we were up for a great breakfast including a full Welsh (not english). The boys were surprisingly organised and we vacated on time. Over the Horseshoe pass and through to Mold RUFC, where we were ready for 2 fixtures, first against Mold and the second against Wrexham. A very positive start from our Kendal squad. An early try from Team Captain Will T who plays No.8. He picked up from the back of the scrum a good 10m out, found himself a clear line and ran hard to score just left of the posts. Will D No.1 put his kicking skills to the test and scored a lovely conversion. Mold’s defence stepped up for the rest of the first half making it a closer game. Sadly, we lost Logan very early in the first half with a reckless action from a Mold player. Our scrums were strong and we were grateful for the support from U15 player Joe as prop. The second half was again an exciting start for Kendal their perseverance and discipline put Roan in a position to maximise his speed and agility to dodge several defenders to score our second try. Will D was less successful and unfortunately missed the conversion. Leaving this as the final score 0 - 12 We knew Wrexham would be a much tougher game and as we were debuting 2 new players one totally new to rugby and his inaugural game and the second another Will his return to Kendal after 5 years. Both players performed well, one having a baptism of fire as hooker and Will O providing back row and second row cover, after starting in the centres in the first game. Both games were supported by our wonderful players from the U15 squad, Joe, Ollie, Ben, Roo and Thomas. All playing out of their skins against Mold and then a strong Wrexham team, coping with position changes to support injuries and substitutions. We lost both Leo and Will T to injuries in the Wrexham game, and this made a huge difference to the balance of the pack. Wrexham had a strong start and in the first half putting 3 tries past us in the first half but with only one conversion. Kendal stood firm in the second half and did not concede any further points to leave the final score 17 - 0 Following food we embarked on a much more subdued journey home. Despite the horrendous driving conditions and only one support vehicle broken down we did make it back. A huge well done to the Kendal squad who behaved impeccably on both days and were complimented by the rafting centre as the best rugby group they have ever had. Onto the next adventure.
The U16s coaches; Rachel, Wayne, Mozza, Barney & Graeme.