Carlisle Rugby Club hosted their third Border City Sevens tournament at the weekend and proved another hit with all those who attended.
The event kicked off with a music event on Friday night with four local artists performing during the evening, with help in organisation from Rock With Promotions.
Carlisle Dance Academy performed at noon to open the tournament on Saturday and welcome the crowd and teams to a sunny Carlisle Rugby Club.
The tournament got underway with the men’s and women’s games being played across two pitches. There were some very competitive games throughout the day and the sunshine didn’t seem to slow the display of the speedy sevens rugby on show.
The ladies tournament saw two Carlisle teams compete against Novocastarians and a Barbarians squad made up of Penrith, Workington and Keswick ladies players.
Carlisle and Novos progressed to the final, which was a nail-biting watch for spectators – the game finishing 24-22 in Novos favour. Novos were deserving winners, racking up a number of convincing wins throughout the day. Carlisle ladies took the £125 second place prize.
The men’s tournament saw six teams battle it out for the £250 prize pot; Carlisle, Middlesbrough 1 & 2, Creighton, Austin Friars Old Boys and the Border Barbarians all met on the field and provided some fierce competition.
Middlesbrough and Carlisle made it through to the final, and whilst there was some great moments of rugby from both teams, Middlesbrough proved to be the better side and ran in a number of tries, to which Carlisle struggled to reply.
The crowd enjoyed two days of live music from Adam Teasdale, The Reets, Rina, Thomas MacGregor & Meg Phillips-Craig, as well as Action Ants activities for kids and 2 bouncer castle inflatable from Air Bounce.
A club spokesman said: “The event is growing each year and Carlisle rugby club are determined to keep making the event even better year on year, for both the rugby and local community.
“Children also enjoyed free face painting and glitter tattoos in what was a brilliant weekend with something for everyone in the family to enjoy.”
Special thanks were given to all of the sponsors and suppliers; Thomas Graham, Lamont Pridmore, Stan Sherlocks, Park Gate, PK Engineering, Cumbria Marquees, North West Recycling, Border Loos, Elda Security, Rock With Promotions, Adam Teasdale, Carlisle Dance Academy, Action Ants, Air Bounce, Bait Box Socials, Sowerby Estates, Walby Farm Park, Integrity IT Solutions, CA2 Car Specalists, Netherdene B&B, Cheer Force Knights, Carlisle Squash Club, Print Point and GCS Medical.
There were further thanks to all of the volunteers, catering, bar staff, club volunteers, the referees and MC, James Issitt.
