THERE were star names aplenty as the opening part of Chippenham RFC’s Mini Rugby Festival took place at Allington Field on Sunday.

More than 900 youngsters from as far afield as Devon, Taunton and south east London, as well as Wiltshire, took part at U8, 10 and 12 level.

Bath Academy and ex-England U20 player Tom Ellis, Chippenham first-team skipper Fraser Clilverd and Jo Merry, of sponsors M + W Group were on hand to present the medals.

There was a victory for Chippenham Lions in their U8s age group, category Salisbury clinching the Tigers event. Bath and Welsh side Bridgend picked up the Panthers and Jaguars victories at the same age group respectively.

Hungerford’s Tigers team beat Trowbridge 4-0 in the U10 Vase final and edging the Bowl against Bath on a great number of tries scored.

Stow were U10 Plate winners while Cardiff’s St Peters took the Cup prize.

At U12 level, Cleve beat Bradford on Avon 2-0 in the Chief Cup final, Keynsham beating Bath 2-1 in the Plate. Bath won the Cherokee Cup event, Wales’ Cowbridge winning the Plate and Bridgend the Scout competition.

The event for U9, U11 and U13 age groups is this weekend.

  • CHIPPENHAM U13’s beat Royal Wootton Bassett 34-7 in the Wiltshire Cup Final on Sunday. Tries came from Tom Lewis, who crossed three times, Elliott Ayliffe, Eddie Tomlin and Will Browne. Chippenham face Dorset champions Wimborne in the Dorset & Wilts final on April 26.