Enniscorthy Sees Off Biggest Tag Season Yet

The 2010 Bud Light Tag season at Enniscorthy RFC finally came to an exciting end last Saturday night. At a packed Ross Road venue, finals night climaxed with the 3 Cup finals taking place under the new floodlights.

And what a season it has been! From the ‘Try for Free’ open nights way back in May through to the Finals night, Thursday nights has most definitely become known as Tag Thursday!

And it really has been a game of two halves! On the field, 30 mixed teams with over 400 men & women, at all levels of skill and fitness have enjoyed playing in specially graded leagues.

The non-contact nature and social aspect have made it accessible to both men and women especially for individuals who have never played rugby before! Once the games finished, players and supporters enjoyed the varied Après Tag entertainment in the clubhouse every Thursday night.

The Après Tag nights began with a hilarious Hypnotist show in week 1 and continued weekly to include live music from Blue Moose, a riotous Comedy Night, the annual Tag Table Quiz, Jabba Jabba Drum night and a good old fashioned Ceilí.

One of the great things about the Tag season is the fact that ALL teams participated in playoffs on Finals night, even if it was only to decide the most coveted wooden spoon position! However the business end of the season saw 3 Cup Finals kick off at 8.45pm under the new floodlights.

The Beginners League Cup final demonstrated how quickly newcomers pick up the game of Tag, as a very tight game saw The Misfits crowned champions by beating Fit to Drop 9-3. The Grade C final was a super exhibition of all that is good about Tag rugby. It was won by Slaney Sirloins in a high scoring game, defeating I’ll Have What he’s Having 22-13.

And finally in the top league, last years Grade C winners Scorthy Hookers were finally beaten in a very fast and skilful Grade B Cup Final by new champions Karmasutra Kings. Three female tries were ultimately the difference in a 16-7 winning score line.

Elsewhere, in the Beginners League,Tagalicious were comprehensive winners in the 3rd/4th play-off against Tagalong for the Ride. D Junkies overcame the gallant Blue Lineout in the 7th/8th place play-off whilst in the 5th/6th playoff Saffron Strikers were the victors against an ageless Bladerunner team!

Over in the very competitive Grade C League, The Professionals were comfortable winners against The Forward Passes in the 3rd/4th play-off. The 5th/6th play-off was a tight game with The Killers edging out last years Beginners Champions, Fearstream. 7th place went to Class Act who overcame a not so headless Headless Chickens.

In the experienced Grade B league, The Pretenders won the 5th/6th play-off by the narrowest of margins, 20-19 against Tagtastic. In the 3rd/4th play-off, D’Unbelievables were just too strong for an under strength Antagonisers.

Tag Party ran in the nights highest score of the night in taking the 7th/8th play-off with a 22-17 victory over last year’s Grade B winners, Pump Palace Pros.The unfortunate teams who collected their wooden spoon prizes, in good nature, at the awards party were The Wexicans, Crusaders & Ever Readies. The teams who won the 9th/10th play-offs and avoided the wooden spoon walk were Odds n Sods, MidgetMayhem& Pump PalacePros.

Proceedings then moved inside for trophy and wooden spoon presentations to winning (and losing) teams. Corks popped as bubbly and bud light overflowed from the trophies as teams celebrated! Before the disco kicked off into the wee hours we had scavenger hunts and a hilarious clothes line race that resulted in some cream fun!

For pictures and actions shots of Tag Rugby and Après Tag from the whole season don’t forget to check us out on our Facebook page, ‘Enniscorthy RFC Tag.’

For those who can’t bear to wait until next year, Enniscorthy RFC and the IRFU are hosting an end of summer Beach Tag Festival on Saturday, August 14 on Curracloe Beach. Bud Light Beach Tag is basically as it sounds, Tag Rugby played on a beach.

The entire competition takes place in one day, and runs from around midday until later afternoon, depending on the tides that day.

A Beach Tag side comprises of five players instead of seven as in normal Tag Rugby. The rest of the laws of Tag apply the same however with the exception of games being shorter in duration due to the amount played over an entire festival.

With the music up nice and loud, the games get under way until the finals determine the placings and who wins what. After the games, it’s back to Enniscorthy RFC’s clubhouse on the Ross Road for the prize giving and festival party till the early hours.

For more details, and to book your place, check out HERE as places have been snapped up in record time.

‘This year’s Bud Light Tag in Enniscorthy has exceeded expectations to the point that we had to expand the number of pitches, allowing for more teams and players to take part, The atmosphere every Thursday night and particularly on Finals Night has been fantastic.” said Enniscorthy RFC Venue Manager David Ryan.

Enniscorthy RFC President Charlie Kavanagh added: “The social aspect of Tag rugby has seen players who may never have even set foot in a rugby club visit our Ross Road home and it’s great to see so many new faces around the club. Everywhere I go I hear people talking about the phenomenon that is Tag. We expect even more players next year as people realise what they have missed out on this year”

Thanks are due to all those who made the Bud Light Tag season in Enniscorthy RFC such a success. The referees who give so willingly of their time for what can be a thankless task! Paddy, Andrew and Liam – the BBQ team for keeping players and supporters fed all summer.

Karl and the bar staff, Annie and Danielle for Reg & Shorts desks, Liam Spratt for the table quiz, Peter Perkins, David Wrafter and the ground staff, Colin Gethings for all the great photos and all those who helped put up flags, tents and PA systems! You know who you are.

The most common phrases heard on Saturday night were, ‘What are we going to do on a Thursday now?’ and, ‘I can’t wait till next year!’ Enough said! Roll on next year!

For final standings of leagues, download excel sheet HERE.