Wrecking ball front rowers, towering locks, sniping half backs and fleet-of-foot wingers were in abundance at the annual Taieri 7-a-side tournament yesterday.
Almost 900 under 13s took part in the 57th edition of the competition, played at Peter Johnstone Park, Mosgiel.
For some it was a day of triumph - host Taieri won four age groups and Pirates won three.
For others it was a tough day of tackling and chasing.
However, with seven minute halves and games kicking off every 15 minutes, this tournament was a marathon, not a sprint.
"It’s been a brilliantly fine day weather-wise with a good hard frost this morning, so it was a good day outside for rugby," organiser Tim Guthrie said.
"The sportsmanship has been absolutely exceptional, both on-field and on the sidelines. It’s been very positive, which has been great to see."
The tournament attracted 86 teams, with squads of 10 players maximum, plus an army of family, supporters and coaches.
Results
Under-7: Pirates Raiders 1, Taieri Black 2. Under-8: Pirates Whitepointers 1, Kaikorai Black 2. Under-9: Taieri Gold 1, Taieri Blue 2.
Under-10: Taieri Gold 1, Eastern 2. Under-11: Pirates Buccaneers 1, Alhambra Union 2. Under-12: Taieri Blue 1, Clutha 2. Under-13: Southern Magpies 1, Southern Ravens 2. Under-10 Girls: Alhambra Union 1, Green Island 2. Under-13 Girls: Taieri 1, Kaikorai Valley College 2.
