JP Morgan

Pictures: Exeter Rugby Club/Pinnacle Photographic Agency

By Mark Stevens

Tiverton Under-14s were crowned the inaugural winners of the JP Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s tournament held at Exeter’s Sandy Park Stadium on Sunday.

On a glorious day in the Westcountry, Tiverton proved the stand-out side, not only finishing unbeaten throughout the 12-team tournament, but notching up a staggering 354 points from their seven games played.

Having advanced through Pool One of the competition alongside Barnstaple, Tiverton then saw off Sidmouth in the semi-finals 31-15 before handing out a 57-0 defeat to Exeter Chiefs ‘B’ in the final.

Earlier the Chefs’ ‘B’ side had advanced from Pool Two alongside Sidmouth and they defeated Barnstaple on a golden try in a keenly contested second semi-final.

However, it was not just the four semi-finalists who played their part in a hugely entertaining day of rugby. Also competing in the tournament were Exeter Chiefs ‘A’, Bridport, Crediton, Kingsbridge I & II, Exeter Saracens, Exmouth and Topsham.

Overseen by Exeter Chiefs Community Development manager Tony Walker and his team comprising of Marc Dibble, Dom Caton and Lewis Webb, over 140 youngsters took part in the day-long event, which culminated with the Grand Final and Plate Final being played on the main Chiefs pitch.

Current Exeter Chiefs players Henry Slade, Jack Nowell and James Lightfoot-Brown were then on hand to dish out the trophies and medals at the end of the day.

Speaking at the conclusion of the event, Walker said: “This was the first year we have run the JP Morgan Premiership Rugby Sevens Cup here at Exeter and from our perspective it was a massive success for us, the club and all the teams that competed in it.

“The standard of rugby throughout the whole day was outstanding. Obviously Tiverton were worthy winners and scored a massive amount of points on their way to lifting the cup, but there were also a number of players on every team who really caught the eye.

“On behalf of the club we’d like to thank everyone who participated in the event and also all the parents, helpers and coaches who helped to make it such a successful day.”

To see more pictures from the event or to buy any, simply click here