Senior sides got together for the innuagural tournament on Saturday 16th June, teams competing were Malvern Hot Hands, Shedweb, Rucking Good Team, The Dodderers, Longlevens RFC and AA Select 10. The standard of rugby was very impressive considering this was the first time that many of the teams had ever played touch rugby. Each team played 5 games with the 2 top teams going through into the grand final.

The final was contested between Longlevens RFC and Malvern Hot Hands. The match provided the many spectators with a fantastic game as it went down to the wire. The teams were tied at the end of normal time which meant sudden death and what is known as 'drop off'. Each team started with 4 players, after every 2 minutes each team had to 'drop off' a player, leaving each team with 3 players. Longlevens RFC were a young team who used the spatial advantage and managed to split the weakened defence of the Hot Hands to score the winning try.

(Longlevens Senior Winners)

On Sunday 17th June sides from, Old Richians RFC, Widden Old Boys RFC, Matson RFC, Painswick RFC, Stow on the Wold RFC, and Dursley RFC took part in the junior under 14s competition. 

'Touch Rugby' was new to many of the teams that entered therefore Community Coach Andy Brown ran a training session for all of the players before the tournament started. This allowed the players to grasp a basic understanding of the game and to take part in what was a great festival of touch rugby.

Matson RFC were the side to watch as they breezed through the early rounds unbeaten to reach the final. Dursley RFC were under pressure to win their final match as Widden Old Boys B were in a great position to reach the final. However, Dursley RFC managed to win their final match to reach to final just ahead of Widden Old Boys B.

The final between Matson RFC v Dursley RFC was a great spectacle of running rugby. Dursley produced a fine display of touch rugby and edged passed the hotly tipped favourites Matson to win 5-1.

The winners of both the senior and junior competitions were presented with a trophy by Dave Fotherby from the RFU.

(Dursley RFC Under 14's Winners)

The Touch Rugby tournaments proved a great success with all of the teams developing a good understanding of this summer sport and enjoying themselves along the way. 

Gary Little, Community Manager said, ' it was a fantastic event which Gloucester Rugby are very proud to be a part. We hope that this has generated interest in what is a great social and enjoyable way to play rugby during the summer.'

Plans are already underway to host the tournament again next year. To register your interest for next years Three Counties tournament please email andybrown@gloucesterrugby.co.uk