AROUND 600 boys and girls from rugby clubs across Berkshire attended Slough RFC’s annual Minis Festival at Upton Court Park on Sunday.

The competition was re-titled The Wynford Phillip’s Memorial Minis Festival this season in honour of the longest serving member of the club, who passed away last year.

Slough Under Eights (U8s) Lions team began the tournament with 7-7 draws against Phoenix and Old Albanians thanks to tries from George and Alfi Harris, Cody Rumney and Jamail Alikhan.

The Harris cousins then scored five tries between them, with one apiece from Rumney and Alikhan in an impressive 7-5 win against Thatcham in their third pool game.

A well-deserved try for Henry Caldwell added to the tally in a nailbiting semi-final with Drifters that went to sudden death after ending in an 8-8 draw.

The Farnham Common scored the deciding golden try to progress into the final, where they would win in similar fashion after a 5-5 draw with Old Albanians.

Stuart Goddard, Jake Evans and Daya Bhachu all touched down for Slough U8 Tigers, who registered a loss and a draw before wins against Beaconsfield and Bracknell. They missed out on a spot in the semi-finals by just one point.

The Slough U7 team got off to a promising start with a quick try from Adam White and then matched Thatcham in a thrilling 10-10 draw in their opening match.

However, despite the young Greenies’ best efforts they lost by one point to eventual champions Old Albanians Eagles before a 10-7 defeat to local rivals Phoenix. The Eagles won the final 9-8 against Phoenix Flames.

A combined Slough and Phoenix U11 team showed improvement in each match despite suffering early defeats against Thatcham, Ruislip and High Wycombe. Ruislip went on to beat Drifters in the final 5-1.

A stronger combined U10 side thrashed Old Albanians 30-0 in their opening game, where Haatieb Jaldin, Joseph Norfolk and Alfie Spiller all crossed the whitewash.

They then suffered a disappointing loss to Drifters before a spirited comeback against Thatcham, Harry Dillon producing a great breakaway score in the final moments for a 20-5 win.

Old Albanian Wolfs won the final 3-1 against Beaconsfield but the U9 side were beaten 3-1 in their final by Ruislip Lions. Beaconsfield Panthers and Tigers drew 7-7 in the U6 final and settled on a draw while Drifters beat Reading to take leading honours in the U12 competition.

Andrew Leighton is minis and juniors chairman at Slough RFC. He said: “It was a marvellous tournament held in memory of our friend Wynford. A fabulous effort from all the players, parents and volunteers who took part in the day.” Next up for Slough U8s is the London Wasps Tag Tournament on April 19, with the finals to be played during half-time of the Wasps versus Gloucester match at Twickenham.

Slough minis and juniors welcome new players throughout the season, no experience is necessary and all are welcome. For more information visit www.sloughminirugby.co.uk.

l PHOENIX RFC minis more than held their own in the Slough RFC Wynford Phillip’s Memorial Festival on Sunday.

The U8 team drew two and lost one of their matches. The loss came against a strong Drifters side, who tried to play touch tag rugby to suit their style of training.

The Taplow club fielded two well-balanced U7 teams, both of whom returned impressive results. Phoenix Fire registered a win in all three of their matches while Phoenix Flames lost just once, again to Drifters.

Due to the league structure, the two sides had to clash for a place in the final. Flames eventually got the better of their club-mates 10-9 to set up a final with Old Albanians.

The final was an end-to-end affair which Phoenix eventually lost, but though disappointed, the team can be proud of their performances. Padraig Vaughan touched down 13 tries, Joseph Tearle 12 and Ronnie Ubranski 10.

Phoenix’s senior team end their Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier season with a home fixture against Chipping Norton tomorrow (3pm).

The Taplow club staved off the threat of relegation with recent wins against Aylesbury Athletic and Littlemore.

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