U16 9s Series Underway

05th August 2012, 19:31

Sunday 05 August saw the first of two U16 9's competitions in the Midlands. The format saw 8 teams from across the East and West Midlands competing in two pools of four with the top two teams of each group playing off to determine the best team on the day.

The competition, this week played at Birmingham Bulldogs home ground, Aston Old Edwardians, was closely fought in both groups, the suprise package, newly formed Grantham Gladiators - a satelite club of Nottingham outlaws, were competitive against all the teams in their group, a 3 tries each draw against eventual winners Coventry a particular highlight.

The Bears junior outfit topped Group 1 after wins over Derby and NEW Ravens, and their exciting draw with Grantham with Derby a close second. In Group 2 it was a much closer affair, with three games being drawn it was down to points difference to determine the winner and runner up, Birmingham given the nod after some quick calculations, Nottingham Outlaws runners up.

The semi-finals keep the excitement going, the first a tightly fought contest, which saw Derby edge out Birmingham 3 tries to 2. In the other semi a confident Coventry team were too strong for a galant Outlaws side, final score 5-3.

With the clouds gathering all around the Aston playing fields, so did the crowd to witness the final, a re-run of the first game of the day; Derby vs Coventry, and the game did not disapoint. The two teams traded tries early in the contest and the game was finely balanced at 2 tries a piece, but strong running and good handling saw the Bears grab two late tries to win the match and the competition.

The day was a success with all teams and players enjoying themselves and the change in format from the regular league season. The next U16 9s competition will be held at Derby City on Sunday 12 August.

For more information, or to enter a team into the next competition, please contact Midlands Rugby League Development Officer Tom Tsang on 07595 520 185 or tom.tsang@rfl.uk.com.

Full Draw and Results:

Group 1

Derby 1 v 4 Coventry

Grantham 3 v 4 NEW Ravens

Derby 2 v 1 NEW Ravens

Coventry 3 v 3 Grantham

Derby 2 v 1 Grantham

Coventry 2 v 1 NEW Ravens

Group 2

Northampton 3 v 4 Leicester

Birmingham 2 v 2 Nottingham

Northampton 2 v 2 Birmingham

Leicester 2 v 2 Nottingham

Northampton 3 v 4 Nottingham

Leicester 1 v 4 birmingham

Semi Finals

Nottingham 3 v 5 Coventry

Birmingham 2 v 3 Derby

Final

Derby 2 v 4 Coventry