FROME RFC opened its doors last week for the much-anticipated return of the Frome 7s rugby festival, which saw 56 teams play at The Lane.
The club reports, “The event ran five different levels of competition; Men’s Super Social, Men’s Social, Women’s Social, with the highest level of rugby being played in the Women’s Open and Men’s Open.
“The weekend started with the annual 15s exhibition match, with Cherubs RFC taking on the Starbarians. The Saturday morning saw the pool stages of the competition kick off at 10am, with over 1,000 people enjoying the festival atmosphere, great food and drink stalls and entertaining rugby.”
Frome 7s organiser Mike Rutt said, “It was great to see how excited everyone was about the return of the 7s festival, and having not being able to hold it over the last two years due to Covid restrictions, it was great to see it return bigger and better than ever.
“With 56 teams taking part, it was the biggest festival we’ve held, with the popularity of the Frome 7s being clear to see – we welcomed teams from all across the UK and further afield.
“I must also thank every one of the volunteers that helped the day run so smoothly, without you all, the day just wouldn’t happen. I must also say a particular thanks to Roger Gilson. We look forward to continuing to grow the festival and hope to see everyone return next year.”
The club continues, “The Men’s Super Social competition saw hotly contested pool stages with plenty of flair, outrageous kit designs and fun rugby on display. It was the Lonely Goats who took home the Cup Final win with a win over Stag 7s; the Cherubs secured the Plate Final; and Solent Vikings won the Bowl against crowd favourites, the Pig Wrestlers.
“The Ladies’ Social competition welcomed back some regular faces with London Bears, Bath Rugby, as well as local rugby clubs from the surrounding area. The Unicorns won the Cup Final, with London Bears bringing home the Plate, whilst the Avonmouth RFC winning the Bowl Final.
“The Men’s Social welcomed lots of local men’s teams to the Lane, with The Godfathers 7s pathway team, Sicario 7s, winning the Social Cup Final. ‘Snuff said’ took home the Social Plate and the Friji 7s side (made up from lots of familiar faces from Frome RFC) winning the Social Bowl.
“The Open Competition saw the most hotly contested pools in Frome 7s’ history, and the Ladies’ Open saw some big names taking part. The international 7s side Samurai 7s took secured the Open Cup, whilst the Savvy Panthers won the Plate. Bamboo 7s took home the Open Bowl.
“The Men’s Open welcomed back current Open holders VX3 Gogs Raiders, but it wasn’t to be their year again as the Shredded Ducks won the Open Cup Final. The NADI Rugby UK team took home the Plate win, whilst Empires 7s won the Bowl Final.”
