TALENTED youngsters from across the South West descended on Allington Field on Sunday for the first of Chippenham RFC’s minis rugby festivals, writes Carl Field.

The U8s, U10s and U12 age groups took centre stage, with the event accompanied by glorious sunshine – something which delighted festival chairman John Goodall.

“We had a few sleepless nights with all the rain in the lead-up, so I’m absolutely elated. I’m over the moon with the attendance, the standard of rugby on show as well as the sportsmanship - all just first class.”

On the field, Chippenham U12s tasted glory in the Chiefs competition by edging out Stow to win the Plate, with Withycombe seeing off Bath in the Cup final.

In the U12 Cherokee competition, Marlborough saw off Devizes to win the Cup, while Trowbridge agonisingly missed out on the Plate at the hands of Bradford on Avon.

Chippenham Black were victorious in the U10s Red competition as they beat Bath to take home the Cup, while Corsham were runners-up to Old Bristolians in the Plate.

In the U10 Blue competition, Bridgend were cup winners while Bradford on Avon II went home with the Plate.

Chippenham Yetis and Calne were second and third respectively in the U8s Blue competition behind Cup winners Bradford on Avon.

In the U8s Red event, Chippenham Gorillas won the Cup ahead of Bath and Salisbury III and, in the yellow event, Bridgend left with the Cup, beating runners-up Bath II and third-placed Marlborough II.

Fellow event organiser Matt Viner was also delighted with how the day panned out, saying: “It’s been another excellent weekend for Chippenham rugby and the quality on show never ceases to amaze me.

“We’re probably seeing a 10 per cent increase year on year. The festival just keeps growing and growing and it’s fantastic to see so many people here supporting the effort.”

This Sunday, it is the turn of the U7s, U9s and U11 age groups with former England and British Lions full-back Tim Stimpson presenting the medals.

  • A TOSS of a coin secured Wiltshire Cup success for Chippenham’s U11s at Trowbridge RFC on Sunday.

After a tense 0-0 draw with Salisbury and no extra time, the luck went Chippenham’s way and they now advance, along with other final winners Corsham – who beat Bradford on Avon – to a clash with Dorset’s top two teams next month.

Nine teams competed at Trowbridge, split into two pools of four and five respectively.

Chippenham – in the pool of five – comprehensively defeated both hosts Trowbridge and Devizes 6-0, drew 1-1 with Bradford on Avon, before a 1-0 win over Marlborough.

They narrowly missed out on top spot in the pool to Bradford on points difference, before meeting Salisbury.

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