Rooting for the devil

Our boys played their first game of Rugby Union yesterday. They played for the Gosford Devils as our local team (Kariong) didn't have enough players to make teams in the boys age groups. Carter played in the Under 7's and Tony in the Under 8's.

I am not much of a sports fan. It's just not my thing. However, it's different when its your own children playing. If you want to have a good laugh, watch a kids sports match. Tony's game I was entertained because it was exciting watching my big boy playing. Carter's game just had me cracking up.

Carter was so excited to play. He has been talking about it non-stop. Anthony and I weren't too sure how he would be once he was out on the field though; his excitement usually gets the better of him. When we play hide-and-seek, he hides but as soon as you call out;

"Ready or not....here I come!"

Carter comes bursting from his hiding place and comes running to you in fits of laughter. He simply cannot contain himself!

We imagined him running with the ball and seeing the opposing team coming for him and turning the opposite direction, throwing the ball in the air and running off laughing.

But he didn't, he kept up and chased the ball around as best as his little legs could carry him. He did great - even if he did try and convince the coach they needed to do a haka mid-game.

Tony was next up. He really impressed me. Tony had played a season of League when he was 4 and he ran like he was holding invisible briefcases. He was also pretty shy when it came to tackling other players. He tried hard but I was just imagining him playing like an older version of his 4 year old self. He was so much better though! He got right in there and wasn't shy at all to tackle and chase the ball. He even scored a try early in the game. He had a great sense at following the ball and was always right in the middle of the action. He did get rather puffed in the last part of the game, but managed to keep up til the very end where he had the final run and almost scored but was tackled at the last metre or so.

Carter was his biggest fan though and cheered for Tony the whole game, even when he was nowhere near the ball. When a member of the other team tackled Tony, Carter exclaimed;

"That team, they are trying to snatch the ball from MY brother!"

He got very protective. When Tony took a knock to the hip during that final tackle and was hurt, Carter rushed on over and squatted down in front of an upset Tony and insisted Tony tell him who hurt him. He kept saying;

"Tell me who did it Tony. Who hurt you? Was it that guy? Tell me!"

I am curious as to what he would have done had we told him but we thought it best he just learn this is part of the game and that the other player hasn't done anything wrong. He is a very protective younger brother.

It was a long time to be upright for me and was exhausting, but it was worth every second. I look forward to a lot more entertainment from my little fellows!

And now for a few pictures.....