Following the success of our Year 5 and 6 tag rugby team playing in the Barking Rugby tournament final and receiving silver medals in March, it was our younger year 3 and 4’s opportunity to compete.
This was a funfast-paceded tournament at Barking Rugby stadium on Thursday 10th May. Valence fielded two teams on the day and all pupils demonstrated wonderful, pace, skill, determination and team play to excel in this fun, sportsmanship tournament.
The Valence A team started brightly against Ripple school, scoring three tries in all but unfortunately had two tries disallowed for underarm carrying and diving over the try line. Valence conceded a late try against Ripple school, earning a 1-1 draw. Next up, Valence played the organised and well coached Ardley Green School and twice came from behind to beat Ardley 3 -2 in an evenly matched and entertaining game of tag rugby both T Cook, M McCarthy and T Ibrayam scoring impressive tries and the exceptional H Ikenma and L Ameny were immense in defence helping our team withstand waves of attacking play near the end.
Valence then respectively overcame Marks Gate on a score line of 4 tries to 1, before beating Ripple school 3 tries to 0. Valence recorded the highest win percentage and were unbeaten to progress to the final against the gallant George Carey school. Unfortunately, George Carey school were too strong for us, beating us 2 tries to 0.
The future of tag rugby looks in capable hands at Valence as our rugby skills continue to prosper. Congratulation to the players for reaching the final of the Barking tournament and receiving their beautiful medals. It was a proud moment for all involved.
Squad: Charlie, Vinnie, Tyler, Tolga, Hannah, Micah, Luis, Alissa, Aidan, Mololuwa, Ava, Mason, James, Deimantas and Rosemary
Results:
Valence 1 v 1 Ripple
Valence 3 v 2 Ardley Green
Valence 4 v 1 Marks Gate
Valence 3 v 0 Ripple
Final: Valence 0 v 2 George Carey
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