Rugby Conversion

Poem from Swindon (UK) Community Poet, Tony Hillier, in celebration of the Youth Sevens Rugby, organised by Future Hope, Kolkata, India, 3 March 2018 Rugby ConversionBy Tony HillierIn blue and white tiered seatingof footballer Sailen Manna's Stadiumrugby was the order of the dayAll India and International Youth Tournamentkicked off at 8 a.m. in 30 degrees alreadyReds and greens on pukka green grassas first tournament try scored by Jungle CrowsSome mis-matched teams in this learning gameIt’s pick it up and run, run, run, then try, try, tryIn logoed vest, hosts Future Hope, try their bestCrows’ brush fully loaded for whitewashTwo tries second half; such a murder of crows- smiley!Smart, white Caravel-sponsored tops,identify “Coach”, “Referee”All badged, quite rightly so,30 years of Future HopeMales of course. Females of course‘Game over, an Ace Foundation handshake tunnel’Teamwork amongst the ball girlsand ball boys, keep games flowingTeamwork round touchlines meansNew ball, always centre-spotted“Coming next Mumbai plays Armenia.Can I have the captains please?”On sunshaded terrace, in plus thirty degrees,the welcome fan dronesAbove field of play, another drone,Camera zoomed in from Hong KongCaptures the worker drones of Indian Rugbyalways trying their best.‘Meanwhile, Yellow leopards,primed to pounce from sidelinesLater give Jungle Crows a run for their money’White shirt team does team press ups.Pirate Ants form their team-talk-hill.‘Adibasi gets one back on Ants;a cheeky, well-earned try.’These students, just 7-17,tackle many problems on streets;Tackle tactical challenges on rugby field.On streets required to try to survive.On rugby pitch,we have seen today,children choosing to thrive.