Young players from across the area took part in the annual Clive Lewis Schools Tag Festival, hosted by Frome Rugby Club last week.
The popular event, played in honour of the late Clive Lewis, a much-loved Frome RFC club legend and local schoolteacher, welcomed the largest number of teams in two decades, with 12 teams taking part. 129 tries were scored in 20 eight-minute games.
“This festival is often the first experience these children have of any competitive activity with other schools,” said Neil Warnock from Frome Rugby Club. “The evidence was clear – they embraced it and had a great time, which is exactly what it’s all about.”
In the Years 5 and 6 competition, Selwood’s three teams – the Bears, Wolves and Leopards – put on an outstanding display, scoring 40 tries between them and each topping their respective pools. Westbury Leigh matched the Leopards in Pool C, while the final between Selwood’s Bears and Wolves ended in a thrilling 3–3 draw.
The Plate Final was another close contest, with St Louis narrowly beating St Aldhelm’s 4–3. Both schools, along with Upton Noble, made a welcome return to the festival after a short break.
In the Years 3 and 4 section, Trinity finished as clear winners of their pool, winning all four games and scoring 22 tries, followed by Beckington with three wins and 19 tries. In the second pool, Upton Noble topped the table after four wins and a dozen tries, with Trinity, St John’s, Berkley, and St Louis completing the order.
Neil praised the teamwork and dedication behind the day’s success. “All of this is would not have been possible without Mr Walsh and Mr Brown who organised the ten volunteers from Frome College who refereed 40 games between them,” he said.
“Mr and Mrs Trevor Osborne once again assisted with collating the scores and providing refreshments throughout the afternoon and I’d finally like to add a big thank you to the Frome RFC for the use of the club facilities, and last but certainly not least, a huge thank you to the Lewis Family including Ithwyn who joined us on the day.”
