Young Teams Try Their Best in Lexus National Schools Rugby Tournament Finals

The final whistle has been blown on the 2012 Lexus National Schools Rugby Tournament, an event that has brought hundreds of young players together in friendly but hard-fought competition.

After winning their way through two regional festivals, some of the country’s finest rugby youth talent took part in the finals games at Epsom College on 4 March. On the day the contests in five age groups from under-eight to under-13 saw almost 900 boys taking to the field in a programme of more than 100 games.

As the tournament’s lead sponsor, Lexus was pleased to help make the festivals and finals day a special occasion for the players and their families. Its support has included making a souvenir photograph available for each player, and enabling a prize draw for one school to enjoy a training day with former England international Richard Hill – won for Aldro School, Kingston, by parent Annie Sutcliffe.

Tim Button, tournament organiser,  said:  “This year’s events were highly competitive but still maintained the ethos of rugby, commitment, teamwork and friendship. I look forward to seeing the continued development of the event through our exciting relationship with Lexus, and to seeing more the same high quality school boy rugby next year.”

Richard Balshaw, Lexus Division Director, said: “At every stage of the tournament it has been wonderful to witness the commitment, enthusiasm and sportsmanship of the young players and the keen support of their families. We are delighted to have been part of such a great event that does so much to encourage youngsters to give of their best.”

Tournament results

Under-eight

Joint winners: Denmead School, Hampton, and Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Blackburn

Plate winners: Beacon School, Amersham

Under-nine

Joint winners: Denmead, Hampton, and Shrewsbury House, Surbiton

Plate winners: The Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon

Under-10

Winners: Warwick Junior School, Warwick

Runners-up: King’s House, Richmond, Surrey

Plate winners: Cranmore School, West Horsley

Under-11

Joint winners: Queen Elizabeth Grammar School and Shrewsbury House

Join plate winners: Lanesborough School, Guildford, and Rokeby School, Kingston, Surrey

Under-13

Winners: Aldro School, Guildford

Runners-up: Northcote Lodge, Wandsworth

Plate winners: Beechwood Park, St Albans

ENDS