PRIMARY Schools from across Kennet took part in this year's second tag rugby festival in Marlborough.

Children tried their best Jason Robinson impressions as they tried to wriggle and weave through their opponents in the non-contact version of the sport.

As a growing sport 15 primary schools and 200 children attended the event hosted by Marlborough Rugby Club on Wednesday May 18.

Kennet District Council's leisure development officer Amanda Cox said the event was successful.

"This year we had more teams than ever before. Everyone played around 20 matches and lots of parents came to support the children," she said.

"It is all about getting young people active. The tag rugby is a beginner's introduction to rugby as there's no contact. Girls and boys can play it together too.

"We don't need much equipment either. Just some flags, a field and a ball and because there's no scrums it is an easy game to understand.

"Marlborough have a fantastic beginners' section so by hosting the festival at the club we can create a link between them and the youngsters and so more continue the sport."

The festival started at noon with the help of referees from Devizes and Marlborough rugby clubs, pupils from Marlborough St Johns, school volunteers and teachers.

Schools from Marlborough, Tidworth, Devizes and all over Kennet attended the event which is fast becoming one of the major sporting occasions in the primary school calendar.

The weather remained dry and bright all day bringing out the best in the children who displayed some excellent skills and some end to end tag rugby. Cox said: "What was nice was seeing schools from Devizes coming over after playing in their local event in March.

"It was also great to see Devizes Rugby Club turn up and help with the refereeing."

Teams played in groups of four with the teams placed first, second, third and fourth being drawn into new groups to play sides of the same ability. All Cannings School finished the tournament as victors and picked up a shield for their efforts.

Andy Churnside, from Marlborough Rugby Club, was pleased the club could be involved and was hoping some children will come back to train with them. "I am thrilled with the numbers taking part and at the level of skill shown by the children," he said.

Kennet District Council chairman Peter Richardson, said: "I am delighted to see so many children enjoying physical activity and hope they continue to be active and healthy."

Prizes were supplied by Marlborough Rugby Club with medals being presented to the winners of round one and cups to the pool winners of round two together with a shield to the overall winner.

All children also went home with certificates for taking part in the event.