Reds reclaim their crown

 

By Mark Stevens

Having claimed success 12 months earlier at Sandy Park, Redruth Under-12s were again all smiles as they overcame Cornish counterparts Hayle to reclaim their Land Rover Premiership Cup crown at the home of the Exeter Chiefs.

The Redruth youngsters were among a group of over 600 children who took part in the day-long event, which is a ground-breaking nationwide grassroots tournament for Under-11s and Under-12s.

Now into it's fifth year, the tournament - which is staged at all 12 Premiership clubs - aims to inspire youngsters in the sport to be like their rugby heroes, whilst at the same time battle for glory against rivals teams from around the region.

And it was Redruth's experience of the previous year which proved crucial in them lifting the title over Hayle in a tight final, which was decided by just a solitary try.

In the Under-11s section, Plymstock Albion Oaks triumphed as they progressed past the pool stages and then Newquay Hornets in the semi-finals, before defeating fellow finalists Taunton 15-0.

As well as competing, participating players at the tournament also had the opportunity to meet current Exeter Chiefs stars Haydn Thomas, Ben White, Sam Hill, Mark Foster, Kieran Davies and Hoani Tui, who took time out of their schedule to watch the young teams, offer some coaching tips between games and present trophies and medals to the finalists.

The young players from both Redruth and Plymstock Albion Oaks have also won places in the prestigious Land Rover Parade of Champions where they will be presented to a sell-out crowd at Twickenham during the Aviva Premiership Rugby Final next May.

The club wish to thank the support of Tony Pearson from Matford Land Rover in Exeter and all the players, coaches, parents and supporters for all their help in making the tournament a huge success once again.