The annual Tag Rugby festival was held on Sunday in conjunction with the rugby club fun day as a family inclusive event. This have been successful in the past and this year lived up to all expectations with children and adults alike joining in all the fun and activities from mini rugby games, relay races, rugby skills testing, egg and spoon races, sack races and many more events including various types of bouncy castles for all children and young at heart adults to enjoy.
The Adult Tag Rugby festival was due to be a fiercely competitive day with teams who have become rivals over the past seasons and continue to compete for silverware at each event. Teams participating were: Sligo (Indecisive Tagstards), Dungannon (I am a Tank), Finn Valley (Dragons) and two teams from Inishowen (Inish) & (Owen). The games kicked off with the upset of the day as (I am a Tank) had their armour destroyed by (Owen), going to prove how Inishowen have upped their game this season by beating a team made up of AIL qualifying players. The games were played at a high standard overall with (Dragons) winning their entire group matches including their semi-final beating (Owen) by 3 points. This left a lot of pressure on the shoulders of (Inish) as they were pitted against an experienced (Indecisive Tagstards) made up of players from various backgrounds namely; Sligeach, South African, American and Tir Chonaill nationals. (Inish) came out with all guns blazing and gained an early lead in this semi-final only to concede a three point try meaning the hard work was all ahead. (Inish) eventually won the match by a single point to place them in the final against (Dragons) from Finn Valley.
This final was to be no easy task as (Dragons) have been one of the tag teams on top form all season. Unfortunately the team captain Clare Gilroy of (Inish) was injured in the previous game and had to watch from the side line as her team took to the pitch. With a good crowd on the side line cheering on the home team, (Inish) kicked the ball to (Dragons) resulting in a knock on advantage and capitalised with a quick roll and a score in the corner. The lead changed hands on a few occasions this half with both teams playing some expansive rugby. (Inish) gained the lead just before the break with a 3 pointer girl try. The team talk at halftime was more about the night before and who had the greater need for rehydration. The second half saw (Dragons) take the lead by 1 point before (Inish) decided to tighten up on defence and did not concede another point for the remainder of the game. Attacking from all areas of the pitch, the guys and girls from (Inish) applied the pressure and scored four breakaway tries to seal the victory and retain their title at home.
When it matters most and the pressure is on, this Inishowen team really step up to the mark and play some outstanding rugby that may be emulated in the forthcoming Olympics 2016 in Rio de Janeiro. The star player in this tournament has to go to Karen Hutchinson for her electric pace and vision for the game.
Thanks must be extended to all participants involved for the day with support from the Rugby Club, organisers of the fun day, organisers of the tag tournament, sound and entertainment, referees, food and drink cooks and shopkeepers, line and pitch markers and all involved in the weekend entertainment. Roll on next year where we will be playing a league structure combined with the festivals and tournaments. Tag Rugby continues to train throughout the winter season at Moss Road Carndonagh Wednesday 7pm, come down and give it a go, guaranteed social enjoyment both on and off the pitch. For weekly updates see Facebook: Inishowen Tag Rugby.
