ColtsFest24 Kicks the Season off in Style!

On a gloriously sunny day, 15 teams representing 14 clubs from across the three counties enjoyed a great day of exciting rugby. This was the third occasion that our young leaders have hosted ColtsFest and it was the most ambitious yet, with teams also enjoying the expert coaching sessions from Magic Academy coaches Russell Earnshaw and Glen Towson.

After a playing in three pools, the teams went on to the Cup, Shield, Plate and Bowl competitions. All teams were guaranteed 5 games (up to a semi-final), with 8 teams playing in a final (6 games total). This year there was another first, with a shootout in the Plate semi-final. After their match ended in a draw, Lincoln and Derby had three players each make one attempt to drop goal the ball from the 22. Lincoln were the winners and went on to win the Plate competition. The Cup was won by Stamford Blue, the Shield by Kesteven, and the Bowl by Belper.

The day also featured a terrific raffle where the Youth Council and competing teams donated prizes such as personalised training kit from England stars and signed teams shirts.

The Youth Council and Colts teams were very grateful to the NLDRFU Society referees for their support on the day; helping the matches to be played in the right spirit. Long Eaton RFC were also excellent hosts and we were very lucky to have their energy and support, as well as the use of their excellent facilities.

It is great to see our U18 teams flourishing and we look forward to seeing them all again next year, on Saturday 30^th August 2025.