WESTCOMBE Park Rugby Club held its 25th festival on March 15 and once again it was a tremendous occasion.

"It was very successful. About 1,900 children were playing. There were 258 matches and the finals were only running 20 minutes late at the end," said Dennis Nemestothy of the organising committee.

A total of 20 clubs were represented from Kent, Essex and Surrey, each one fielding sides at U7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 level.

Blackheath won the U7s event with Old Reigatians from Surrey first in the Under 8s. Beckenham claimed honours at both U9 and U10 level and Sevenoaks won the U11 and U12 competitions.

The rules changed as the players got older with the U7s and 8s playing seven-a-side touch rugby.

Every child who attended received a certificate and there were penants for the winners and runners-up.

The victorious teams also received special commemorative 25th anniversary T-shirts.

Spectators and hungry players were kept happy with all-day barbecues and refreshment tents.

Mr Nemestothy said much of the credit for the smooth running of the tournament was down to the main organiser Jackie Candlish, and plans were already being made for the next festival in October.

The event was sponsored by Sun Life of Canada.

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