Minis festival is a big hit (From Gazette Series)

Minis festival is a big hit

MORE than 600 players from six clubs with ages groups from the U7s to U12s played 36 matches in Dursley Rugby Club's Minis Festival.

The clubs involved were Cirencester, Hucclecote, Malvern, Painswick, Stroud and hosts Dursley. The festival marks the start of the official playing season and provides a measure of the team's ability to players, coaches and clubs.

Luke Narroway and Mark Foster from Gloucester Rugby Club came along to present the trophies to the winners, as well as additional trophies to the individual outstanding player and fair play team award.

Dursley RFC is proud of having this working association with Gloucester's Community Development section.

Trophy winners were as follows: U7s - Hucclecote, U8s - Stroud, U9s - Cirencester, U10s - Stroud, U11s - Hucclecote, U12s - Cirencester, Fair Play Team Award - Stroud, Outstanding Player - Painswick.

In the U12s section Dursley kept a level record - winning two, losing two and drawing one. The forwards showed some excellent rucking and mauling skills, whilst the backs passing skills and moves continue to improve.

Two newcomers, Haywood and Neudegg blended well with the team, whilst Robert Camm and Richard Allison were nominated as the Dursley players of the week for their efforts in the forwards and backs respectively.

Ryan Akhurst scored two tries with one apiece from Jordon Sargerson and Alex Stevens.

Results: Dursley 0 Hucclecote 7, Dursley 14 Painswick 0,Dursley 0 Stroud 0, Dursley 0 Cirencester 7, Dursley 14 Malvern 0.

Every player attending received a commemorative medal - something that Dursley RFC feel is a just reward for the effort these young players put in.

Dursley RFC would like to thank the three main sponsors - Dursley Lions, Barclays Bank and Renishaw PLC - as well as all others who kindly donated.

Festival secretary Adam Wright said: "As this is my last year as secretary to the mini's section I would like to thank all the junior and main committee, as well as club members.

"I would also thank the parents and players from Dursley RFC for their excellent assistance in making this years' festival the best to date."