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We reflect on the progression of arguably the best Wisbech Mini/Junior side. A side from under 9, playing 9-a-side coming full circle to the 15-a-side full contact game with handoffs and kicking and playing on a full side pitch.
A side that grew from barely having enough players - the coaches never stopped recruiting and seeking out possible talent where ever they could be found. Coming up through the age groups from under 7 they where
'training fodder' to the big clubs such as Norwich, West Norfolk, Holt, and North Walsham. Always treated with contempt and a cynical "thank you for turning up"...
by the back end of their under 10 season, those days where to
changing!
The squad's foundation being solid discipline, constant training, more discipline, specialist coaching and again more discipline. Teaching them mental strength and a believe of invincibility, mixed with astute coaching was the recipe for the success that followed. Both coaches being former 1st XV players, one a forward and one a back formed a well-balanced combination, which was always an added
benefit. Without a doubt there are a substantial number of very talented players in the squad, but their hard work, team spirit and persistent strive for perfection proved to be the difference. The side's willingness to travel in search of quality opposition to measure themselves against brought them up against Northampton Old Scouts, Paviors, Hinkly, Harrogate and entering the 'Six Counties 7-a-side Championship' to name but a few sides in their strive for
improvement......
Stepping up as under 12's brought huge change to the squad as many went of to different schools. The change brought instability within the squad and they had to re-assess their strengths and weaknesses, their game plan, learn from it and re-group. They did and the team and players where stronger and wiser for is and success followed.
Skipper Darryl Veenendaal scooping the "Outstanding player of the
tournament" award for the Six Counties 7's Championship 2001 and doing it again in the
Boston 7's in
2003, showed the sides cheekiness cleaning up everything on offer to win! As so often commented by opposition coaches and spectators, the side showed skill, maturity and professionalism beyond their years.
Besides the rugby honours, individually the boys participated and excelled in a number of other sporting disciplines which included - Hockey, Swimming, Karate, Boxing, Judo, Athletics & Cross-Country.
They have come full circle to the 15 man game - win or loose nobody would ever be able to accuse them of not being able to play rugby! The biggest challenge always is to follow success with success. A number of players are leaving, but so too are their new talented players stepping forward. The squad will again re-group and without a shadow of doubt, come through it again stronger.
Congratulations and thanks to a number of people that helped and contributed
to the coaching and training sessions. Thank you to the parents for their commitment, sacrifices and loyal support past to present.
Thank you and congratulations to an exceptional squad for exceptional achievements past to
present, in particularly for a brilliant performance being the first Wisbech side to be crowned
"County Champions" Best of luck for your bright rugby journey that lay
ahead......
Here are the statistics of the seasons 1999 - 2003 listing the achievements
per season:
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