What a way to wrap up an incredible year of rugby! The Lewes 10s Tournament was a celebration of everything we love about the sport, complete with music, food, and, of course, thrilling rugby action. Crawley Rugby Football Club proudly entered two teams—the Blues and the Reds—each bringing energy, determination, and no small amount of skill to every match they played.

The Blues set the tone for the day with an exhilarating opening game that had everyone on the edge of their seats, showcasing the fast-paced excitement unique to 10s rugby. The Reds followed suit, adapting quickly to the different dynamics of the 10s format, which requires a blend of tactical kicking, quick hands, and clever use of space. As the day progressed, the teams demonstrated brilliant play, particularly exploiting space out wide and delivering some memorable tries.

It wasn’t just about the rugby, though. In true Crawley spirit, our players donned Santa hats between matches, spreading festive cheer and bringing smiles to everyone’s faces. This combination of fun and focus is what makes days like this unforgettable.

A particularly special moment came for Ruben and Alfie Larkin, who both scored their first-ever tries for Crawley. Their determination and sheer brilliance in these moments lit up the day and earned a massive cheer from the crowd—a memory they’ll cherish forever.

As the tournament unfolded, the nuances of 10s rugby became clearer. The open spaces on the pitch encouraged creative play, with accurate kicks and quick breaks proving invaluable. The wingers shone, with their speed and agility creating countless scoring opportunities. It was a day filled with teamwork, skill, and a deep love for the game.

A huge thank you to Lewes RFC for hosting such a fantastic event. Your hospitality, organisation, and festive spirit made it the perfect way to close out the year.

A Moment of Reflection
In a poignant moment, the Crawley community came together to honour England Rugby and Premiership legend Tom Voyce. We took time to reflect on his incredible contributions to the sport and to show our support for his family. It was a reminder of the shared values and camaraderie that unite us all in rugby.

Here’s to an amazing 2024 filled with unforgettable memories and milestones. Bring on 2025—we can’t wait to see what’s in store!

By Jack Padfield