Bath Rugby hosted an exciting and competitive Under 12 and Under 11 grassroots tournament this weekend, the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup.
Chippenham RFC triumphed in the U12 Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup, while Bath RFC became the U11 champions
The successful series of nationwide tournaments continues to grow and allow young rugby players to showcase their capabilities in a professionally run environment.
The Under 12 final was a fantastic spectacle for those in attendance, with the impressive Chippenham RFC keeping their composure to secure a fine victory over Bradford on Avon RFC , who showed great integrity in defeat and made sure that they challenged Chippenham right until the final whistle.
In the under 11 final, Bath RFC were triumphant, playing with great confidence to defeat Bournemouth RFC, who displayed great resolve to ensure that Bath had to be at their very best throughout the match so that they could be crowned Regional Champions.
Kim Oliver, Bath Rugby Community Coach, said "This has been a fantastic day. Many thanks to Bradford on Avon RFC for hosting the festival, the use of their wonderful facilities and for supplying pitch marshals for the day, which was a great help. Also, a huge thank you to all the clubs for attending and supplying referees for the day - never an easy job!"
As well as winning the tournament, the young players have also won places in the prestigious Land Rover Parade of Champions where they will be presented to a sell-out crowd at Twickenham during the Aviva Premiership Rugby Final in May.
In addition, the Land Rover Spirit of Rugby Award, which goes to a player who showed great determination and composure to overcome any obstacles or challenges that presented themselves, was awarded to Charlie Berridge of Bournemouth RFC Under 11s, for showing great all round performances and attitude throughout the day.
Participating players at the festival also had the opportunity to meet Bath Rugby players Josh Ovens and Tom Dunn who took time out of their schedule to watch the young teams, as well as offer some coaching tips between games.
Josh commented on the importance of grassroots rugby: "It's great to see so many clubs represented at the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup, and it is a great event where young players can come together and show their talent."
Results
Under 11 Competition
U11 PLATE FINALISTS
• Runners-Up - Salisbury
U11 PLATE WINNERS 2013
• Keynsham U11
U11 Land Rover CUP FINALISTS
• Runners-Up - Bournemouth
U11 Land Rover CUP WINNERS 2013
• Bath U11*
Under 12 Competition
U12 PLATE FINALISTS
• Runners-Up - Taunton
U12 PLATE WINNERS 2013
• Walcot U12
U12 Land Rover Cup Finalists
• Runners-Up - Bradford-on-Avon
U12 Land Rover Cup Winners 2013 UP
• Chippenham U12
*Match drawn, team that scored first try progressed.
**Match drawn, no tries scored decided on toss of a coin.
For more information on the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup please visit: www.premiershiprugby.com/landrovercup
