Essex Tag Rugby Finals

Once again, after winning the Southend Finals in October, West Leigh attended the Essex Tag Rugby Finals (for a 13th successive year!) For many of the squad, it was an opportunity to improve upon their efforts in the Essex Finals last year when they finished in a highly respectable 3rd place. Could they improve upon that? Amongst the top 16 schools from all over Essex, it was not going to be easy!

During the morning of the competition, the aim was to enjoy attacking rugby but also work upon their defensive skills even managing to put into practice visualisation techniques as used by professional sports psychologists, resulting in a highly successful morning.

West Leigh 9-5 Janet Duke

West Leigh 6-0 Cressey

West Leigh 4-0 White Hall

With a 100% record, they qualified for the ‘Super 8s’ and faced potentially stiff competition against some of the very best teams in Essex; however, the performance level from every member of the squad made it seem much easier than it should have been!

West Leigh 7-1 Kelvedon

West Leigh 8-2 White Bridge

West Leigh 7-4 RA Butler

The subsequent semi-final was a tense affair, as most seem to be, but with great composure, they remained in control to gain victory.

West Leigh 5-3 Grove Wood

In the final, having already gone one place better than in the previous year, the squad was focused and eager to end the tournament as the only team having won all their games, and despite RA Butler’s best effort and their great rugby also, West Leigh ended the day with a trophy in their hands.

West Leigh 7-5 RA Butler

Congratulations to the entire squad on their record this year and on becoming Essex Champions (making the school’s record now a remarkable 7 Essex titles in 12 years)! However, it was a great day made even better by their wonderful behaviour, positive attitude and even Cadbury’s Crème Eggs!