The competition is entering its 14th year and as such is still the cup final that all Gateway primary schools strive to make, as it gives them the opportunity to appear on the famous Rodney Parade pitch in front of over six thousand fans during the half time break in the final match of the season against Treviso.
As you would expect with such an enticing prospect the competition was fierce and a number of the early games were so tight that a draw was the final outcome. The teams were using the tag skills that community officers Janice and Mike had been teaching them during their fortnightly Gateway Rugby schools visits and it soon became evident that the pupils had been paying attention to their coaches as the teams demonstrated skills that were a credit to the schools and to themselves.
Llanmartin and Dewstow are not renowned rugby playing schools but they both showed how to play the game and also how to enjoy their matches. However, as things came to a head it was the more experienced Langstone and newcomers St Julians who had forged clear and were destined to meet each other in the final.
Langstone took an early lead and their skilful boys and girls were looking to coast to victory when they extended their lead to 2, then 3 tries. But the team from St Julians were never going to be an easy target and they came back with some super rugby skills, unfortunately for them it was not quite enough and Langstone won by 7-5 and will now make the journey to play at the Parade.
A cheerful Mike Sage was delighted with the standard of performance and sportsmanship that had been on display,
“All the schools participating have reason to feel proud, it has been one of the best tournaments I have seen” he said as he was handing the Most Valuable Player award to Aneurin Jenkins of Pentrepoeth School who had been one of the most exciting players with the ball in hand.
All participants also enjoyed meeting Dragons scrum half Jon Evans and receiving their rewards for all their efforts before getting his autograph to conclude a great day.
All in all it was an excellent day in which Janice’s refereeing was superb whilst special thanks must go to Josh Dennison (Community Volunteer), Richard Dale (NCC), Chris Cornford & Pat James (WRU) for all their help on the day, we now move on to the next competition to see who Langstone will meet in the Tata Steel Grand final.
