It was a hot and bright day throughout the tournament and several players came away redder than when they arrived! Despite the challenging conditions spirits were high, perhaps due to the fun and challenging day ahead, perhaps the variety of beverages the team were using to hydrate, and maybe just a combination of them both.

The day was structured around two pools of 5 teams, with 14 minute matches being played against all teams in your pool before proceeding on to play-offs.

The Oaks started out strong with Trys being scored by several players in the opening half of the first game, however our opposition soon equalised and took over the lead despite the hard work of the team.

So began a fun and challenging day of playing hard for every point, pausing for hydration, suncream and for the forwards to take a break at the BBQ.

As the tournament ran on the Oaks found themselves in the playoffs against Maltby, where after a great game with outstanding performances from several players the Oaks took home a new piece of silverware for the trophy cupboard.

The bus drive home was filled with the enthusiastic if out of tune singing of the team and the passing of port around the cabin.

A big thank you to the 12 players who turned out to play, and a further thanks to those who expressed interest but due to number constraints were unable to take part. The enthusiasm of the team makes every fixture special!

Additionally thank you to the friends and family of the club who turned out to support your loved ones on and off the field with cheers and suncream.

Praise should be given to Max, Jordan and Bryce who were our top scorers for the day, demonstrating speed and creativity as they broke through the lines.

The team came away with a great boost, and some lessons to bring back to our weekly practice sessions, in particular around communication and pacing during a game.

If you’d like to get involved in events like this, and join a team where camaraderie and care surround everything we do, please get in touch via our Facebook page, or come and visit us at Parsons Cross field, every Wednesday at 1830 for training.

Lastly, a thank you to the organisers at Hemsworth RUFC for a brilliant day!