MORE than 150 children from eight local primary schools braved chilly conditions to take part in the Ongar Schools Tag Rugby competition last week.
The festival was organised and hosted by Ongar Rugby Club with support from the RFU, Saracens and local businesses as part of its school and community support programme.
Three different competitions were played for by 27 teams from Moreton, Chipping Ongar, Rodings, High Ongar, Bentley, Shelley, Blackmore and Doddinghurst Infants.
The boys' Year 2 trophy was won by Chipping Ongar and the boys' Year 3 trophy by Bentley.
For most coaches, supporters and parents the most exciting competition was the girls' Year 2/3 trophy. More than 50 girls aged six and seven years old played as skilfully and competitively as their male classmates, and in a nail-biting final High Ongar triumphed over Rodings 4-3.
Ongar coach Pat Carter said: "The girls responded so well to the coaching and put it into practice immediately which meant they got better and better over the afternoon."
Every player was awarded an Ongar medal and there were special Saracens prizes for winners and runners-up.
Rodings were the winners of the participation prize of a RFU Yazoo Tag Bag for bringing the most players to the festival.
The deputy head of Doddingurst Infants School, Vanessa Audas said: "It was brilliantly organised and very enjoyable. The enthusiasm of the players and coaches was fantastic.
"We will be playing more tag rugby at school now."
The positive feedback from players, parents and schools means that Ongar Rugby Club will be running an open training session for Year 2 and 3 players on Sunday, April 14 from 10am.
Any new players aged five to 12 years old are always welcome at the club. For more details contact Philip Cranwell on 07976 547493.
