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EDEN DISTRICT TAG RUGBY FESTIVAL
Eden has long enjoyed a strong tradition of youth and mini rugby, and this year’s district tag festival cemented the legacy that had been provided by many years hard work by the Rugby Football Union in conjunction with the Eden Valley School Sport Partnership.
Twenty five teams from twenty two school s across Eden competed in two festivals that ran jointly on a rainy day on Friday 26th March. Thanks must go to Penrith Rugby Club for allowing the 250 children to use the facilities, including the 1st XV pitch, which made the occasion even more memorable for the children involved, who ranged from experienced club players to individuals who had picked a rugby ball up for the first time less than six weeks previously. Some skilful, quick and free-flowing rugby was played despite the difficult weather conditions, with the pool stages proving extremely competitive.
The small school semi finals were contested by Lowther, Penruddock, Shap and Brough, with Lowther and Brough progressing to the final. The large school semi finals were contested by Kirkby Stephen A, Beaconside, Hunter Hall and Crosby Ravensworth. Kirkby Stephen A and Beaconside progressed through to the final.
The small school final was a highly competitive encounter, with Lowther narrowly winning the title. Lowther themselves had experience of playing in a tournament in Richmond earlier in the year, and so this capped off a very successful year for the school.
The large school final was a fierce battle between Beaconside and Kirkby Stephen A. Both schools played some tremendous rugby, and after seven minutes, referee Craig Tyson blew the final whistle to announce that Kirkby Stephen A had won the large schools competition.
Shelley Atkinson, Community Rugby Coach for Eden, presented Lowther and Kirkby Stephen with their trophies, before congratulating all the schools who had taken part, and the volunteers who had helped to make the competition possible. She stated ‘thanks must go to Penrith Rugby Club for the use of their facilities, and their contribution of volunteers. Thanks must also go to Ullswater Community College, Queen Elizabeth Grammar School and Newton Rigg for their support.’ Anybody interested in rugby union within Eden can get in contact with Shelley – shelleyatkinson@therfu.com.
Photo: Shelley Atkinson (middle) with Mrs Cousins, Andrew Johnstone and the winning Kirkby Stephen team.
Shelley Atkinson
Community Rugby Coach - Eden
RFU.com 
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