ECCLES JUNIORS Welcome to Eccles RFC mini and junior section and this week’s soap box debate: Another period of rugby controversy unfolds as the details of Saracens salary cap breach emerges, it pleases me to report that a number of our current junior section, and former junior section players have been on active duty representing Lancashire! Wonderful, and a tremendous indictment of the clubs’ philosophy of nurturing ‘Home Grown Talent’. Well done lads! So as these boys seek to enhance their rugby pedigree, I attended the Sale Sharks DPP last Friday evening where we currently have five U14s players under expert coaching, hopeful of emulating our Lancs reps. The level of intensity is apparent as all the players have gone through a selection process, so no new comers to the game here! The point I wish to raise is how this standard of coaching is now reflecting in the performances of the U14s team in particular. They are now on a run of 7 consecutive wins, still in the Lancs Cup and playing some fantastic rugby! There remains a bright future for the club indeed! On Sunday I got to briefly watch our U15s resplendent in their new kit and under the coaching eye of Finn Cox lose a close game 0-19. I then wandered towards the club house to take a look at our U16s who beat a brave Duckinfield on the first team pitch. All of this was taken in after observing en-route the volume of kids now involved in our mini section! In a contradiction of terms between the opening paragraph at the top of the page, it’s with pride I compile this report after seeing the foundations of our sport being properly embraced at junior level. A parent told me recently how much it meant to him after seeing his young son, new to the game, come on as a replacement winger, hugged and congratulated by one of the experienced forwards after he tackled his opponent saving a sure try, in a close fought win! Good luck today…. Whoever it is you’re supporting!! Paul Fleming, Mini and Junior Section Chair
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