Tower and Town, February 2020 (view the full edition)Marlborough Junior RugbyClive Robins introduces the Editor to Marlborough Junior Rugby. If you go up to the Common on Sunday mornings you - like your Editor - will be sure of a big surprise. You will see vast numbers of boys (and girls) busily running around playing small versions of rugby on numerous adjacent pitches. They are divided into year groups from six year olds upwards and play a handling and running game with no collisions. This form of the game is the norm until they reach a much older level when some contact, such as rucking and tackling, is introduced. There is a huge amount of enthusiastic activity, with constant movement from the players in their yellow and black jerseys and constant encouragement from the adult coaches in their red tracksuit tops. The emphasis is clearly on skills, exercise and fun. The support and appreciation of the many parents on the touchline is impressive and it was a great pleasure to see these mini games being played without tears on the pitch or over-exuberant support on the edge. Clive Robins, the chairman of the junior section of Marlborough Rugby Club, whose two main pitches and pavilion are on the Common, tells me that there are over 250 junior members and over thirty adults coaching and refereeing. This is remarkable, and is clearly the vital basis of the Colts and Senior Rugby that the Club runs so successfully at teenage and adult level. Clive refers me to the June 2019 edition of Rugby Club Magazine, where there is a special two-page feature on the Marlborough club and its junior section. The article is full of praise for this "fine example of a club playing an important role in the local community". It is "blessed with marvellous volunteers across all age groups" and has "an outreach programme across local schools", providing coaching at St John's, for example. To get involved either as player or coach, phone Clive on 07887 724928 or e-mail youthchairman@mrfc.co.uk. Or get your mum or dad to ring up for you. Clive Robins |