Look Back At Bud Light Tag In Enniscorthy RFC

The Bud Light Tag season at Enniscorthy RFC came to an exciting end last Saturday night at a packed Ross Road venue. And what a season it has been! From the “Try Tag for Free” open nights way back in May through to the Finals night this August,

And it really has quite literally been a “Game of Two Halves”!

On the field,  24 mixed teams of approx 300 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!

With the weather gods also looking down on us throughout the season, (11 sunny nights out of 12) the summer was truly there, ensuring that games were played in rays of Sunny South East sunshine!  Once the games finished, players and supporters enjoyed the varied Après Tag entertainment in the clubhouse every Thursday.

This included a riotous Comedy Night, the annual Tag Table Quiz, Salsa Dancing & lessons, a Race Night, Tug of War competition as well as a Wii Games evening. And who can forget the visits of the spoils of Irish Rugby’s successful season with the Irish team and Leinster team’s trophies all visiting on Tag Thursday, attracting large crowds of players and supporters all in line for the precious photo opportunities exclusive only to Bud Light Tag venues.

The season came to a close with Finals Night last Saturday. 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 *ahem* most coveted wooden spoon position! The unfortunate teams who collected their wooden spoon prizes, in good nature, at the awards party were The Far Gones, Tagliatelle & Recessionators. The teams who won the 7th/8th playoffs and avoided the wooden spoon walk where Bladerunner, Slaney Sirloins & The Killers.

In the Beginners League, Ever Readies overcame the gallant Class Act in the 5th/6th place playoff whilst in the 3rd/4th place playoff; Headless Chickens were the victors against an ageless Forward Passes team! The Beginners Final demonstrated how quickly newcomers pick up the game, as Rocky’s Horrors ran out 7-3 winners against The Tagalongs in a tight game. The trophy is now proudly on display in the reception of local business Clearstream Technologies.

Over in the very competitive Grade C League, The Professionals were comfortable winners against The Kidney Failures in the 5th/6th Playoff. The 3rd/4th Playoff was a tighter game with Fergal McCauley’s Tag Party edging out an under strength Wexicans team. The Grade C final was a super exhibition of all that is good about Tag rugby. Don’t Kick It had qualified for the final by scoring a golden try in their semi final, with 6 seconds left in Extra Time. However their luck ran out as Jonny Leech’s team, Scorthy Hookers were the Grade C Cup winners by a score of 12 – 10.

And so to the experienced players in the Grade B league. The Pretenders, with a fair sprinkling of Murphy brothers, won the 5th/th Place playoff by the narrowest of margins against Gordon Hemmingway’s D’unbelievables. In the 3rd/4th Playoff, Tagtastic were just too strong for Karmasutra Kings and were comfortable 18 – 7 winners. The Grade B final was fast and frantic, producing some excellent rugby on both sides. However an impressive tally of 5 ladies tries was a big factor in Pump Palace Pimp’s victory over the surprise packet Who’s Ya Daddy. Bernie White’s impeccably dressed team were ultimately too strong for Graham Chapman’s side and ran out 23 – 11 winners to seal the Grade B Cup for 2009.

Proceedings then moved inside for award and trophy presentations to winning (and losing) teams but not before the ladies stopped off for their free mini makeovers from the beauticians. Before the disco kicked off into the wee hours we had our own unique version of Miss Tag Queen 2009!! 6 plucky contestants strutted their stuff on the dance floor to rapturous applause and laughter. Contestants’ names shall remain under wraps but needless to say, the guys are anxiously waiting to see if any of the pictures appear on the website!

For those who cant bear to wait until next year, Enniscorthy RFC is hosting an end of summer Tag Festival on Saturday 29th August. This promises to be another great evening, with matches kicking off around 6pm. This will be followed in the clubhouse by the return of Tag Comedy Night. This time a line up features headline Kevin Goldsmith (from Des Bishop’s “Joy in the Hood” RTE series) supported by Dave O’Gorman, Joey Macken and MC Mark Swan.

Thank you, 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! Andrew & Tiny – The BBQ team for keeping players and supporters fed all summer. Dougie the timekeeper, Karl and the bar staff, Annie & Danielle for Reg & Shorts desks, Liam Spratt for the table quiz, Peter and the ground staff and all those who helped put up flags, tents and pa systems! – you know who you are. Finally, a huge thank you to all the sponsors who helped contribute towards the club – Pettits, Ger Doyle Butchers, Declan Cullen Paving, Bualadh Bus cabs, Phoenix Estates, O’Brien’s, Sam McCauley Beauty & The Logo Company.

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!