7th Annual Collins Stewart Junior Tag Rugby Competition

More than 240 school children took part in the Collins Stewart Junior Tag Rugby Tournament on Saturday, 5 November at Footes Lane.
The one-day event for years three, four, five and six is designed to encourage young people – both boys and girls – to try rugby and this year’s event was hailed as a resounding success.
The Director of Mini Youth Rugby, Dave Parish said that the event had become a permanent fixture in the club’s calendar for junior rugby.
“The day helps to showcase just how enjoyable the sport is for youngsters of all sizes and abilities and the numbers we had on the field proved that there is a real interest in grass roots rugby on the island,” he said.
“We hope to encourage all youngsters to try rugby and give them the basic skills as a pre-cursor to them taking part in rugby at a more senior level.”
Schools taking part included Beechwood, St Martins Primary, Vauvert, Castel and Vale.
It was the second year the tournament was played at the Garenne Stand and plenty of family and friends were able to watch the games and show their support.
 Four games were played simultaneously for seven minutes one way and then the semi-finals and finals were played over ten minutes in two halves.

 Highlights were the Sudden death plate match between Castel Lions and La Houguette Angels from the West (an all girl team!)

Also the year 3&4 plate final which was competed by Vauvert School and a Barbarian team made up from reserves from other teams and had never played together before. All matches, particularly the finals, were very closely contended!

“The competition is held each year and we would welcome entries from some of the islands schools who have yet to enter,” Dave said.

Trophies, donated by Collins Stewart, included a cup, plate and bowl for years five and six and a shield and plate for years three and four. In addition every team entering received a practice ball for the school to encourage continued commitment to the sport.
It was the fifth year that Collins Stewart sponsored the tournament.
 “Collins Stewart has been instrumental in making this event such a success and giving us the ability to foster rugby at this level and we are grateful to them for that,” he said.
Collins Stewart’s Charlie Roger said the sponsorship was an integral part of the company’s ethos to encourage young people to get involved in a variety of activities in Guernsey.
“We were delighted to sponsor this tournament again. Commitment, involvement and determination are attributes we foster within our own organisation and it was apparent that these youngsters have all these qualities. It was an exciting tournament,” he said.
For schools looking to enter or for further information please contact Robert Sinclair Midi-Mini representative, tel: 235830.