The Third Annual Rugeley 7s was held on Saturday and was bigger and better than ever with 13 teams and 150 players competing at St Augustine's field in Rugeley. The event which is now the largest of its kind in Staffordshire was sponsored for the first time by local law firm Ansons LLP, saw teams from across staffordshire competing including first time entrants from Denstone College, Burntwood, Stafford and Wheaton Ashton. They were joined by Cannock who came to defend their title, Barton Under Needwood and Eccleshall. Stafford College and the Welsh Wizzards who were both making their third appearance in the tournament alongside the hosts Rugeley.

The group stages saw some exciting rugby being played and strong performances from Barton Under Needwood, Cannock and Telford. Rugeley got off two a mixed start with their A team losing but the B Side winning against Stafford College.

The knockout stages were extremely competitive with tense semi finals in which both Barton and Stafford College were unlucky to be defeated.

The final of the cup saw Cannock race into a lead against league rivals Telford. At half time it looked like Cannock were going to be comfortable inners only for Telford to respond well and score two quick tries. A brilliant long range conversion saw the match reach the last 2 minutes with just 5 points in it. Cannock were able to hold on and retain their trophy. The second tier Trophy was won by Eccleshall who narrowly beat Burntwood and Stafford U32s who triumphed over Wheaton Ashton to win the beer cup.

Organiser and Rugeley Secretary said
" I can't believe how big this tournament has become in such a short period of time. I would like to thank all the volunteers who made this possible and the event sponsors Ansons LLP. We hope everybody will come back next year"

Ansons LLP partner Sarah Popp said:
"I really enjoyed watching the rugby today and I am proud to associate our law firm with this successful event. I would like to congratulate Cannock on their win and all the other teams who made the event so competitive"

Report By Martin De Ridder & Pictures By John Parkes.

Pictured are Aiden Cheshire and his dad Stuart Cheshire collecting the cup from Ansons partner Sarah Popp.

Don't forget that pre season Training starts in ernest on Saturday 30th June 2012 at St Augustine's Field, Station Road Rugeley. WS15 2HG.
All are required to attend and new players will always be made very welcome.

Training Starts at 2pm Sharp.