RUGBY fever hit the region as the 14th annual Slough Rugby Club Sevens Tournament came to town last weekend.

Teams came from all over the country to prove that sevens rugby is one of the most dynamic, exhausting and exciting sports in the world.

The beautiful weather and the rock-hard pitches meant that some lightning fast play was witnessed at Tamblyn Fields.

With teams grouped into Elite, Social and Beer categories, it was a truly entertaining event and was followed by a party that included live music, a BBQ plus a well-stocked bar.

Mark Casey is club Chairman at Slough and told the Observer: “It is one of the biggest days in our calendar and it’s always huge fun.

“What makes it so special is that we get teams coming back and year after year that really helps to create some special bonds of friendship, which is what rugby is all about.

“We all knew that it would be tough to top 2017 but I believe we lived up to that expectation this year. The rugby on show was exceptional with some really skilled teams and great competition amongst the clubs.

“I want to say big congratulations to all the winners and I hope to see them again next year defending their crowns.

Slough Observer:

PHOTO: The Slough Dragons team at the 14th annual Slough Sevens Tournament. PICS: Paul Johns: 180727.

“I must also thank the organisers and volunteers who worked so hard and gave so much of their free time to put the whole event together - they’re the backbone of our club.”

Belsize Park won the Slough Sevens championship after a hugely competitive final against Racing Academy.

PSW won the Bowls, Bracknell Honeybadgers the Shield and Richmond Renegades the Social event.

The Beers category winners were Old Walcountians with Chineham Lions the Bowl winners.

The 15th annual Slough Sevens tournament will take place in 2019 and the club plan to make it the most memorable in its history.

The competition seals what has been a very successful year for the club as Slough were crowned Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier champions back in April.

The Greenies can now look forward to Southern Counties North with old rivals renewed against the likes of Windsor, Marlow and High Wycombe.

Casey commented: “Everybody at the club is very excited at the prospect of the new season but no-one is under any illusion on just how tough it is going to be.

“We must be competitive and that means we start preparing now both on and off the pitch.

“We begin against High Wycombe on Saturday, September 8 and I hope that Slough gets behind us to enjoy the ride.”

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