PUPILS from Ifield Community College, St Wilfred's Catholic School and Thomas Bennett Community College descended on Crawley Rugby Club on Friday to take part in the England RFU All Schools Initiative.

More than 50 children in Years 8, 9 and 10 took part in the first introductory session, which aims to bring together local schools and provide them with equipment and expert coaching.

The programme, which involves a three-year commitment from the RFU with substantial financial investment package, hopes to create a legacy within the Crawley area.

The afternoon session gave a flavour of what's to come with more sessions being delivered in the schools over the next three years. Crawley RFC will also be holding some school sessions on a Thursday, with dates to be confirmed.
For more information, call Crawley minis manager Liadán Currie on 07967342032.

Meanwhile, Crawley enjoyed some tough and competitive rugby at the Chichester Festival.

Crawley took two U7s to Chichester with the Reds enjoying an 8-2 win over Pulborough A and a 7-7 draw against Haywards Heath, but losses to Brighton and Chichester meant they didn't make the final.

The Crawley Blues U7s beat Brighton 7-4, Pulborough 6-2 and Chichester 5-2, but lost to Haywards Heath.

The Crawley U8s had a great tournament, coming third, while the U9s also gave a good account of themselves in their first competitive tournament of contact rugby.

Against some tough opposition, the Crawley U10s performed with application, spirit and plenty of effort with standout players Jacob Adolphe, Josh Robins and Morgan Zacharias leading the way. The U10s went out at the group stage after four bruising games.

The U11s made a slow start, losing in their games against Brighton, Pulborough, Haywards Heath and Chichester.

Overall, a blip for the U11s who fluffed their lines a little and are capable of much, much more as a team on the rugby field.

Focusing on getting all the squad minutes, Crawley U12s enjoyed their tournament with plenty of team work and encouragement from within the group, despite some indifferent results.