Derwen students win their Oswestry Rugby Club debut

Derwen College students had plenty to celebrate on Saturday, 14 March, after winning their first ever competitive rugby match as part of Oswestry Rugby Club’s mixed-ability team, The Flying Eagles, in a thrilling, close-fought game against Colwyn Bay Stingrays.

Based at Gobowen, Derwen College is a specialist further education college for young adults aged 16–25. Six students – Ash, Toby, CJ, Jake, Evan and Jonathan – took to the pitch in Oswestry colours, cheered on by a healthy crowd of supporters.

The final score was 58-55, with The Flying Eagles celebrating a hard-fought win. Jonny and Toby each scored two tries, with CJ kicking four conversions. CJ went on to be named man of the match.

David Roberts, coach for The Flying Eagles, said the match was the next step in giving Derwen College students the chance to fully experience the game.

“We have run some rugby sessions for Derwen College students historically but this year decided to take the next step in creating a team where the students could enjoy the game fully. This led to us setting up our mixed ability team, The Flying Eagles. We now have 29 players in the squad, including Derwen College students.

“It's a privilege to be in a team with them. It's breathed new life into a lot of players who thought their playing days were over (me included!).

“The game was a huge success and Derwen College students absolutely smashed it. They went from nervous and unsure of playing to playing a huge part in the game, refusing to come off and even making full tackles. They also featured heavily on the score sheet.”

Mixed-ability rugby is an inclusive, contact format open to players aged 18+ of all abilities, with disabled and non-disabled individuals playing together. It focuses on social inclusion and camaraderie, with minor adjustments like uncontested scrums and modified levels of contact.

Derwen College Activity Coordinator Ben Leonard was also proud to get stuck in and play.

He said: “As far as we are aware, this is the first ever rugby match that Derwen College students have been involved in, so it’s a great occasion for the College,” he said.

Ben added: “A huge thank you to everyone at Oswestry Rugby Club for welcoming our students and giving them the opportunity to be part of such a fantastic day. The students and I loved it and can’t wait to get involved again.”