Sale Sharks RUFC pass on their expertise to Ellesmere Port RFC juniors

Oct 13 2010 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

ELLESMERE Port RFC under-12s have been treated to a training session with some of their rugby heroes – Sale Sharks players Andrew Sheridan, Martin Halsall, Kyle Tonetti and Rhys Crane.

The lucky rugby club won the opportunity through youngster Tom Fredriksen, who entered a Land Rover competition to win a training session with the rugby stars.

Courtesy of sponsors, Land Rover, the players from Sale Sharks put the team through their paces and passed on some essential skills that they had perfected on the rugby field.

The team were then treated to tickets to watch the Sharks start their Amlin Challenge Cup campaign at Edgeley Park, and were presented with a signed shirt during half-time.

Andrew Sheridan was pleased to be at the event.

He said: “We’ve really enjoyed coming here today and helping Ellesmere Port RFC – it’s great to see so much enthusiasm and enjoyment for the game.

“It’s good to coach the kids and I’ve been impressed by their standard of rugby, it’s been a lot of fun.

“It’s important that companies such as Land Rover get involved in grass roots rugby; it gives children the opportunity and interest to play on a regular basis. It’s a fantastic start and allows them to pursue their dreams and maybe go on to play the game professionally.”

Speaking on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the winning child, Tom, said “It was really exciting, I have watched the team play on TV and it was amazing to talk to them and have a training session with them. It was also really exciting to watch the game and go on the pitch at half-time. I was really pleased to win this prize for the rest of my team.”

Head coach, David Baldwin said: “The children were so excited ahead of the day, I don’t think they could believe that they were going to be coached by the Sale Sharks.

“Having players of such calibre can really lessen the gap between elite and grass roots rugby; it can help inspire children to Premiership rugby one day. I’d just like to say a big thank-you to Land Rover and the Sale Sharks for hosting such a great day.”

CALDY secured another win at home with a bonus point for scoring four tries. After the game Stuart Turner said: “It was a good result, five points against a side that was well fancied at the start of the year.

“I thought that we shut some of their players such as Tevita Vaikona down a coped very well with their game plan. Adam Stevens had another excellent game in only his second week at this level having been playing for local side Wirral only five months ago. He kept Vaikona quiet throughout the game. ”