MINETY Rugby Club gave the village school a cash boost after holding their second annual Invitation Seven-a-Side Tournament on Saturday 27 April.

Local clubs Cricklade, Motorola and Fairford joined two Minety sides in the round-robin tournament, which raised £650 for the primary school's Development Fund.

Fairford became the second name on the winners shield after finishing with a 100 per cent record from their four matches, with Minety A finishing second with three wins and a defeat.

The opening match of the tournament proved decisive, with Fairford edging out the host's A side 7-5.

Reigning champions Cricklade won two and lost two to finish third, with Motorola in fourth and Minety B taking the wooden spoon after defeats in all four of their matches.

Minety press officer Nigel Price felt the day had proved a fitting way to end the 2001/02 campaign.

He said: "The sevens competition was excellent. We invited all of the local rugby clubs and were delighted with the response.

"It was a great way to end the season. We all take it reasonably seriously from a playing point of view and we were pleased with all of the teams that entered the tournament.

"It was played in the correct manner and Fairford won the competition as they were the most organised side."

The club staged a 'Pass it On' challenge before the sevens competition, which raised £90 for the local school.

Enthusiastic participants were asked to form a chain from the rugby pitch to the school gates, and three rugby balls were successfully passed along the route with the final pass being made by club captain Charlie Gawthropp to headteacher Bernard Crooks.

Minety also donated the entrance fees from each of the competing clubs to the school fund and Price was pleased with the total raised.

He said: "We were delighted with the support we received from the local community and it was great to be able to support Minety Primary School with a gift of £650."