850 young rugby players, 1,000 spectators – all home in time for tea

More than 850 children and 1,000 adults from teams across West Sussex and Hampshire descended upon Oaklands Park.

There was not a space on the park that was not devoted to rugby. It was great to see so many young people enjoying themselves and participating in this fun festival.

The aim of the festival is to be finished by 2pm, which was very nearly achieved apart from a few finals running slightly over.

Teams came from Haywards Heath, Hove, Midhurst, Crawley, Winchester, Pulborough, Worthing, Horsham, Bognor and Chichester, with teams ranging from under-seven to under-12.

The festival is based upon a pool system with the winner of each pool going on to contest the final. Changes in the laws mean teams at under-seven and eight were allowed to enter more than one team.

The skill level shown by the children was outstanding with players sidestepping and jinking their way to score. The tackling was ferocious with some of the games seeing only one try scored, which clearly shows a strong defence in the teams.

The festival was sponsored by Go Ape who provided vouchers for the winners. Tristan and Becca Mayhew attended to watch the festival and hand out the winners’ medal and prizes.

Results: U7A Pool Winners – Hove A, Runners Up – Pulborough A; U7B Pool Winners – Worthing B, Runners Up – Horsham B; U8A Pool Winners – Horsham A, Runners Up – Hove A; U8B Pool Winners – Haywards Heath B, Runners Up – Horsham B; U9 Winners – Chichester, Runners Up – Winchester; U10 Winners – Haywards Heath, Runners Up – Hove; U11 Winners – Chichester, Runners Up – Pulborough; U12 Winners – Chichester, Runners Up – Hove.

As you can see from the results, the local boys did exceptionally well and congratulations goes to all the Chichester teams for representing the City with such pride and passion.

Chichester RFC thanked all their sponsors who made generous donations towards the club and the helpers and parents who gave up their Sunday mornings to make the event such a great success.

The festival is an annual event and if any company or individual would like to get involved next year please let the club know.

Chichester RFC were one of the first to receive the RFU seal of approval for their mini and junior section and also achieved full club status in 2012.

Mini and junior training is every Sunday starting at 10am – see www.pitchero.com/clubs/chichester