West Norfolk youngsters prepare for end-of-season tour

Young players from Lynn are gearing up for an exhilarating end to their rugby season as the West Wolves Under-13 team prepares for the International Youth Rugby Series in Chichester.Representing their town with pride, the West Wolves will join teams from across the nation in this prestigious tournament.The stage is set for an action-packed weekend as the West Wolves take on formidable opposition.In addition to clubs from the UK, teams from France, the Netherlands, Italy, USA, South Africa, Spain and New Zealand have all been invited.With fierce competition on the horizon, the West Wolves are eager to showcase their skills and determination on the field. Gratitude is extended to local businesses Cooper Plumbing & Heating Ltd, Debs Florists, and Red Lad Engineering for their generous support, which has made this tour possible for the team.However, the tour is not just about rugby. Alongside the intense matches, players and their families will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities, including climbing walls and enjoying the talents of street artists. Additionally, parents and coaches will have their chance to shine on the field in a parents’ rugby competition, demonstrating their prowess and support for the young athletes.Seventeen dedicated players from across Lynn and the surrounding area will be representing the West Wolves on this exciting journey. Their selection reflects the talent and commitment fostered by local schools such as Springwood High School, KES, KLA, St. Clements, and Wisbech Grammar.The tour comes on the heels of a remarkable season for the U13 team, who have once again asserted their dominance in Norfolk. Finishing at the top of the County competition, they have earned the opportunity to compete in the Eastern County Tier 1 Cup, where they face off against the top teams from Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire. As they embark on this thrilling adventure, the West Wolves carry with them the hopes and support of their community, ready to make their mark on the rugby world and continue their legacy of excellence.Head coach Daniel Hobbs said: “One of the reasons that we love rugby is its inclusive nature. Players of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds can join together to achieve something that’s just not possible as individuals. “Taking the team away on tour will be all about this, not to mention the fun and friendship that we will experience along the way.”Team manager Vicki Hopps added: “We’re all very excited for the upcoming tour. This will be the third year that we have played in an end-of-season festival and is a great way to round off the playing season. “The boys have formed a tremendous bond with each other with some of them playing together since they were five and six years old. “It’s a pleasure to watch them form strong friendships and see them supporting each other on and off the pitch.”As parents, it’s proud to see them grow and develop their rugby skills. This is what our rugby family is all about.”Before their eagerly-awaited tour, the team hosted Bury St Edmunds RUFC at Gatehouse LaneFrom the first whistle, both teams battled hard, displaying a fast-paced attack equally met with strong and confident tackles in the middle of the field.West proved to be the more dominant force rucking and controlling the game, which led to West scoring first with a well-deserved try from a charging Charlie Cooper.Bury responded well, exploiting the wings to level the scores.West adapted and responded with a quick succession of tries from Jack Godfrey-Leggett halfway through thefirst half to stun the visitors.West’s forwards continued to be the driving force, carrying their team into the second half 7-2 in front with tries from Dexter Anderson and Freddie Farr.Bury showed great strength and determination and gave West a real test.Tries from William Lloyd, Ethan Kilian, and Jamie Wright secured victory, and it was sealed by man-of-the-match Charlie Cooper with another at the final whistle, the game ending 11-3.