NORFOLK CLUB PLANNING GREAT DAY OF RUGBY SEVENS
Competitions for men’s and ladies’ teams
‘Boat race’ record attempt planned
The annual North Walsham Rugby Sevens tournament is kicking off on Sunday, May 24th at North Walsham’s Norwich Road, Scottow ground with the organisers planning to build on the success of last year’s tournament, which attracted a full compliment of 16 men’s teams and the club’s first ever ladies tournament, with six teams competing.
The tournament has been growing in recent years. Again, 16 men’s teams will be competing, with the ladies’ competition expanding to, hopefully, 10 teams. So far sevens and club teams from throughout the eastern counties, east Midlands and London have signed up for the competitions: the Jill Hambling Cup for the men’s competition and the George Campbell Shield for the ladies’ competition. The total prize pot this year is £2000.
According to one of the event organisers, Dan Goodrich, the form book shows that it could be a hard fought battle for honours. “With last year’s winners unavailable this year, there will be a different name on the cup in 2015. But runners up, the Sydney Knights, and a number of last year’s contenders back again, and several new teams, it will bevery open indeed. It’s great to see so many teams coming to North Walsham for the first time.”
The event this year is being sponsored by timber and builders merchants, Jewson, who have branches throughout Norfolk, including in North Walsham and Wroxham. Jack Morrell of Jewson, said: “If last year is anything to go by, this will be another brilliant day of rugby sevens, which we are delighted to support. It’s great to see teams coming to Scottow from so far away, as well as a number of Norfolk clubs being represented, likeWymondham, Lakenham Hewitt, Norwich, North Walsham, Norwich Medics and Stowmarket.”
The event is a great family day out and is about more than non-stop rugby action all day, with a hog roast, a beer festival featuring over 20 different beers from breweries all over Norfolk, a Pimm’s tent, volley ball, music and more.
The tournament starts at 11am and runs until around 6pm. Each seven-a-side game lasts seven minutes each way, with the final 10 minutes each way.Games are played concurrently on three pitches, providing spectators with plenty see.
Dan Goodrich adds: “We are delighted that so many teams have signed up. We only have two more places left in the men’s competition, while we are keen to attract a few more women’s teams.
“Rugby sevens is all about fun and it will be a fun day both for players and spectators. We are also planning a world record attempt at the longest ‘boat race’at the end of the day and very much hope that everyone will stay right up to the end to find out about it, watch – or even join in!”
North Walsham RFC is at Norwich Road, Scottow, NR105BU. Entry to the tournament is £3 per person and car parking is free.
To enter a team, email Dan Goodrich at dangoodrich@hotmail.co.uk. Entry is just £25 per team and includes energy drinks and vouchers for lunch.
