So the Eagles junior section is moving on nicely at the moment in particular for the Under 10’s. We hosted our second festival of the year at Benfield and were delighted to be joined by Durham tigers who brought 2 teams, Peterlee Pumas, and Warriors RL.

Going into the festival the Eagles team had somewhat of a reputation for being a strong team to uphold and managed to do it with flying colours.

Wallsend’s first game was against Pumas and they set out really strong with some excellent defending in particular from Adam Hay and Daniel Dryden. Peterlee were a little bit too keen to pass and this resulted in dropped ball, Eagles were quick to pounce on and score. Some excellent spatial awareness and zippy pace from Fergus Simpson and Zak Bell saw Wallsend secure their first win comfortably ending approximately 10 tries to nil.

Eagle’s next game saw them take on Durham Tigers A. They started well with excellent defending again demonstrating an impenetrable line. There was some enthusiastic support running from Ethan Ward and a cheeky off load from Ryan saw Wallsend open the score sheet. After defending wave upon wave of Tigers attack deep in Eagles territory, Fergus jumped out from dummy half and broke through the Tiger’s would be tacklers to gain great field position. Wallsend spread the play wide and crossed over in the corner with Zak Bell showing a clean pair of heals and some balanced running. Game finished Approximately Eagles 4 Tigers A 0

The opponents awaiting the keen Eagles up next were Durham tigers. This game was eagerly anticipated by both sets of players, coaches and fans alike and neither were disappointed! Again it was Wallsend’s excellent defending that prevailed in the end seeing away a well disciplined unit in Durham. Some gutsy tackling from Jack Gardener, Will Foster and Joey raised the level of the game and saw the lads run in 3 tries on the back of it. Tigers attack was difficult to deal with at times they threw everything in their arsenal at the Eagles; jinking runs and good use of space but not one slip up in defence was made. At a late stage of the game Wallsend demonstrated grit and determination by working for each other defending their own line for 2 sets, Adam Hay leading the troops and pushing back the opposition 10 metres to relieve some pressure for his team mates. The score finished 3-0 to the Eagles

The last game saw Wallsend take on Warriors RL who have been seen to be improving well. Once again it was the Eagles ‘never say die’ attitude in defence that shone through. A break down the left with a great display of hit and spin from Daniel Dryden set the tone for the game. Excellent use of space coupled with a burst of pace from Joey saw Wallsend run in seven un-answered tries. Game finished 7-0.

On the Festival Eagles Coach Chris Prior said "It’s great to see so many children enjoying their rugby league on a Saturday morning. The skill levels on display are improving week on week and it’s all credit to the coaches and players alike who put the effort in on the training park."

On Wallsend’s performance coach Alan Stevenson said "We work really hard in training on tackling and working for each other and today, we didn't concede a try. I’m really proud of the boys for that display they worked hard for it. We will go away and take a lot of good things from this but there are still things we need to work on as a team to develop us further."

If anyone is interested in playing rugby league for Wallsend Eagles please contact

Robin Peers on 07736317666

Chris Prior on 07943789639

Alan Stevenson on 07877986349