Ilkeston U7s Vs Mansfield

Sunday morning saw a jam packed U7s pitch with 2 teams from Mansfield coming down to take on the mighty elks. Bit of an odd one for Kyla as some of the Mansfield coaches are on her team so a point to prove perhaps but our U7s didn't let us down. In a bit of a change from the norm between the three matches and mixing the teams up I actually got to see pretty much everyone play and it was great.

Over the course of three matches Ilkestons players showed once again that they are a great and supportive team. They looked after each other and made sure that they were passing the ball to all of their team mates. Everyone got involved and supported each other and the running was brilliant. Some incredibly fast feet were to be seen as players from both teams ducked and dodged brilliantly to score the tries that were coming. Mansfield had some equally fast and nimble players that seemed to cut through gaps that a cat couldn't make it through but they got through. Often to be defeated at the last as Zain appeared out of nowhere to tag them before they could get that last few steps made forcing them to pass and giving Ilkeston the opportunity to reset and get ready. Lifesaver!

Throughout the matches so far this season we have had some amazing skills shown. The TREDS values are always there to be seen by the whole team and I am incredibly proud and privileged to coach all of these children. There are, however, two of our players that as a general rule never get to be considered for player of the week and I have to say that they are the two that most often take new players under their wings and show them around, they are the first two that I call on when we have a new player and they always try their very best. They help us to set up at the start and clear up at the end Those two are Niamh and Eva, the reasons that they never get considered is that they are either a coaches child or sister so. It must also be said that the two of them take that fact in incredibly good grace for very young players and understand the reasons why.

That said this time I am ignoring that and for her hard work in being truly representative of the TREDS values of Teamwork, Respect, and Sportswomanship I am naming Eva my (last one of the decade) player of the week. I shall get you your lace (and the other ones for people!!) on the first day training of the next decade.

Well done to all, have a great Christmas break and rest and we'll see you in the new year.