A Festival Of Rugby At Christ College

DESPITE WINDY, MUDDY AND THEN EXTREMELY WET WEATHER CONDITIONS, CHRIST COLLEGE HOSTED THE 27TH ANNUAL RUGBY SEVENS COMPETITION, SPONSORED BY THE ROYAL WELSH.

Rugby sevens teams from some of the top rugby-playing schools descended on Christ College on Sunday to take part in the annual Rugby Sevens tournament.

What started off as a dry but windy day, soon transformed into Storm Ewan with atrocious conditions for the semi finals and finals of the Plate and main tournament.

Despite the weather, the event was a great success for the teams taking part and spectators. The smooth running of the tournament was no doubt down to the excellent organisation by the planning team at Christ College.

A huge thanks must also go to the tournament sponsors, the Royal Welsh, who were on hand to provide some patriotic military support. Regimental Mascot of 3RW, Shenkin and his Goat Major, took pride in leading out the finalists for the Plate and the main final.

Earlier in the afternoon, the hosts, Christ College, beat Rydal Penrhos 10 – 5 to win the Bowl. Having progressed through to the semis, it was a tough match for Hartbury College as they beat Cheltenham 19-0 in difficult playing conditions to win the Plate.

Then came the final, where Cardiff side Whitchurch High School faced Kirkham Grammar School who had made the long drive from Lancashire. Again, played in atrocious conditions, Kirkham put on a valiant display to win the final 27-5.

The prizes and trophies were presented by Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion, Lt Col Nigel Crewe-Read who was on hand with his staff to support the teams throughout the day. Our sincere thanks go to the Royal Welsh for their continued sponsorship and support of the tournament, the Society of Friends of Christ College for their fantastic efforts providing hot drinks and snacks throughout the day, the support and teaching staff involved in setting up and running the tournament and finally to all those teams who made the journey to beautiful Brecon and took part in the worst weather conditions that Storm Ewan could manage.

Well done to Kirkham and we look forward to seeing all the teams again next year.

A collection by Christ College pupils on the day saw over £400 raised for Brecon Integrated Sports Association – part of Disability Sport Wales. One of the regular charities supported by each House at Christ College, pupils and staff routinely help BISA with coaching and facilities.