ECCLES JUNIORS Spotlight on … Eccles 16s. Following the disruption of Covid, the Eccles Under 16s returned to activity in May 2021 and the squad has continued its growth and development since then, with new recruits bolstering the ranks, to become a formidable team during the 2021/22 season, recording 13 wins, 4 defeats and 508 points so far. With dedication to weekly training, the lads have shown they are willing as a group to work hard collectively to identify and solve their own problems. Defeats to Liverpool St Helens and Old Brods Halifax have been good lessons in the importance of discipline and urgency. Highlight victories against Vale of Lune, Rochdale, Sale, Manchester and Heaton Moor demonstrated the team is resilient and capable of fighting back to finish strong. Physicality naturally increases as the boys become young men. Whilst the team has encountered numerous ambulance call outs, A&E visits and injuries to legs, wrists, collarbones, necks, backs, muscles and concussions this season, the depth and flexibility of the squad has kept the U16s competitive (and the club has kept us in replacement match shorts and shirts). The lads are displaying an admirable, unrelenting hunger and Marie has learned she can save on washing up by simply letting them lick all the pans clean! This season 12 Eccles U16s players were invited for DPP assessment following which 8 Eccles players were selected to represent Lancashire in games against Cheshire, Yorkshire and Worcester, and another player was selected to join the Sale Sharks Academy. A significant achievement if you consider the number of clubs and players in our region. Several players have begun their DofE Journey and alongside volunteering at the club on Saturday match days they are learning camp craft and orientating skills in readiness for their Bronze award expedition. The boys have formed a strong bond of brotherhood and are beginning to take responsibility for themselves and their team on and off the pitch. As we head into spring the U16s will have their playing allegiances tested as we face stiff competition from local Rugby League teams. We hope we can keep the boys together to successfully compete in the later stages of the County Cup and prepare for their next challenge, playing as U18 Senior Colts next season. Myself and the coaching team are very pleased with their progress this last year, although their taste in changing room match music still requires education! Chris Gaffey // Eccles RFC U16 Coach.
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