Crawley Rugby Club hosted their annual Early Season Mini Rugby Festival for Under 9 and Under 10 teams on Sunday in near perfect playing conditions. The recent rain had softened the pitches nicely but fortunately the weather was dry on the day and a great time was had by all. Twelve teams from each age group travelled to Crawley from all over East and West Sussex to compete in the event resulting in about 300 players in the tournament with nearly as many parents and supporters in attendance.

The standard of play was very high at both age groups, with all the under 9 teams adapting well to the new RFU continuum. Crawley Under 9s team battled hard, they and their coaches, Richard Kerridge and Craig Jones were thrilled to lift the Bronze Trophy and medallions after defeating Eastbourne and Burgess Hill in the tough second round.

Crawley’s Under 10's also enjoyed a great day of inspired rugby and after an early nervous start, soon found their groove and put in some spirited displays against fancied opposition in Heathfield, Haywards Heath and Chichester. Their new front row’s scrumming technique was fantastic and was backed up with some determined tackling from an extremely tenacious back line. In one game of note, an inspired and well rehearsed team move sent Archie over for a great try which was enjoyed by home and away supporters alike. In the second round against Hastings & Bexhill and Eastbourne, Crawley's Under 10's upped the intensity to feature some physical rugby and a well run try from his own try line by Cameron. Coaches Mark Death and Darryll Lamb were very proud of the Under 10s achievements as the team prepares for winning ways in the forthcoming fixtures with Horsham and Chichester.

At the Under 10s age group Haywards Heath Lions got the prestigious Gold Trophy, Horsham won the Silver Cup, Crowborough lifted Bronze and Eastbourne got Tin.
For the Under 9s group Worthing (a late entry) were delighted to win the Gold Trophy, Silver was taken by Chichester, Crawley won Bronze whilst Heathfield & Waldron got the Tin.
The trophies were presented by Crawley RFC Hon. President Mr David Wilson and each of the players were presented with a medallion. The Club is now starting to plan for the even bigger All Sussex RFU Mini Rugby Tournament to be held at Crawley Rugby Club in March.

Meanwhile on Sunday Crawley’s Under 7s and Under 8s travelled down to compete hard at Eastbourne whist the Under 11s played at Haywards Heath.

Crawley Rugby Club is open to players of all ages from 5 upwards. Anyone interested in joining or finding out more – can contact the Club’s website or phone Chris Jones on 01293 517349.

Chris Jones Crawley RFC Mini Rugby Manager – 1st October 2012