Memories made as U11s put on the ritz at the Seapoint Blitz

Sun shines down once again on Ireland’s largest minis festival giving U11s a first taste of Blitz fever (and pre-lunch burgers)

By Jaime McKeown

24 April 2022 @ Fortress Kilbogget

And breathe…

An epic day’s rugby was had on Sunday as the Seapoint 2011s took to the hallowed home turf to play their part in the first Seapoint Minis Blitz since 2019 (given you know what!).

A positively tropical(ish) Kilbogget hinted to the fast approaching end of season but the boys were not ready to swop the oval ball for the beach ball nor boots for flip-flops just yet.

It was a really impressive display by all three Seapoint squads of the Blue, Black and Green and to be honest, as coaches we’re still reeling from the experience (not least Gary who must have felt it was all some kind of wierd dream having just stepped off a longhaul flight for work and into the jaws of Pitch 26).

Many thanks to Mark especially for all his work coordinting the many moving parts, and to the coaches/volunteers refs, the pitch coordinators dealing with everything thrown their way, and the loyal supporters on the sideline encouraging kids and coaches alike!

We’ve just enough left in the tank to single out special praise for the following standout players from each team:

• Team Blue: Luca – lightening quick in attack and selflessly put his body on the line time and time again with a committed and passionate display to halt opposition offensives – he’s some warrior.
• Team Green: Dylan O’M – 10-15 tackles per match. A leader of true class. Would knock down a door for his team, then turn around and fix the door.
• Team Black: Dexter. Need we say more? No. It’s Dexter. Enough said.

But last word goes to the boys themselves – it was an incredible experience filled with high drama and emotion all morning but they all played their socks off (and on) again and again, match after match, and really stepped up in the tough games to display courage, determination and resilience – we couldn’t as a coahing unit be more proud of the entire squad. And congrats also to those presented with their first caps, well, beanie hats, as a result of their impressive fundraising work for the Passathon – Julian, Sam McA, James C, Amaury and Senan all take a well-deserved bow!

So another key chapter completed as the season end draws closer and a finale beckons up the M1. The Blitz experience will stand all in good stead for the road to Belfast and beyond – roll on 2022/23…

1-2-3-SEAPOINT!!!