The Pudding 7s Rugby Tournament on Tuesday 3 December delivered a superb afternoon of prep school rugby for U11 and U13 teams, despite some truly wild winter weather.
Following the disappointment of the previous day’s tag tournament being cancelled, staff and players were determined that the rugby would go ahead, and they were rewarded with a fantastic festival of end-to-end action. Across both age groups, the standard of play was impressively high, with strong running, committed defence and excellent handling on show throughout the afternoon.
Spectators experienced all four seasons in just a few hours – bright sunshine gave way to hail and heavy rain before the clouds cleared again. The players, however, took it all in their stride, and powered through. A lively soundtrack, including favourites such as Macarena and Cha Cha Slide, kept energy levels high and bodies warm between games.
Parents and supporters did their best to dodge the showers while keeping the food van and catering team busy. Flat whites and lattes flowed, alongside the hot lunch that provided a much-needed boost for chilly hands and feet on the touchline.
The tournament welcomed teams from a number of visiting schools, including Salisbury Cathedral School, Forres Sandle Manor, Perrott Hill, Walhampton, Bryanston, Chafyn Grove, Heath Mount, KES Southampton, Dumpton, Clayesmore and Windlesham.
After a series of closely contested matches, KES Southampton were crowned U11 champions, while Windlesham took the honours in the U13 competition.
A huge thank you and well done go to all the schools, players, staff and parents for contributing to such an enjoyable event, played in challenging conditions but with great sportsmanship and rugby spirit. Our thanks also go to the Bryanston catering team for keeping everyone so well fuelled all day. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for the Pudding 7s Rugby Tournament next year. Until then, we wish all our rugby families a safe and very Happy Christmas.
