EVESHAM’S younger players won medals as their firstever mini-rugby festival proved a success.

In cold and windy conditions at Lower Albert Road, more than 400 children between the ages of six and 12 competed from nine clubs.

Evesham Tigers won the Under Eights Cup with their Lions club-mates runnersup, while Worcester ‘A’ were Plate victors.

Lions topped their group with victories over Worcester ‘B’ (8-4), Ledbury (5-4) and Upton (5-3).

Tigers saw off Worcester ‘A’ and Pershore 5-4 before drawing 4-4 with Malvern.

In the semis, Lions beat Malvern 5-2 and Tigers defeated Ledbury 4-2 in extra-time.

Tigers sneaked the final 5-3 with Edward Cook (2), Toby Jones, Owen Bates and Edward Thompson scoring tries. Laurie Checkley and Max Moulder especially impressed during the day.

Evesham Falcons won the Under Sevens Plate and Evesham Blues finished second in the Under Nines Cup behind Malvern Monkeys.

Other prizes, Under 12s Cup: 1 Upton, 2 Bredon; Plate: 1 Stratford; Under 11s Cup: 1 Bredon, 2 Upton; Plate: 1 Tewkesbury; Under 10s Cup: 1 Worcester, 2 Bredon Bulls; Plate: 1 Upton; Under Nines Plate: 1 Bredon; Under Sevens Cup: 1 Malvern ‘A’, 2 Malvern ‘B’.

  • Evesham suffered a 38-18 National Under 17s Cup Midlands semi-final home defeat to Burton.

They created a club record by reaching the national last 16 and have the North Midlands Cup final ahead.

Burton’s big forwards relished the conditions and scored two early tries. Brave tackling by Matt Camp, Dom Berry, Alex Stoddart, Joe Beirns, Martin Di Franco and Kurtis Thornton kept Evesham in it, while Mike Harris kicked two penalties.

But Burton added three more tries to lead 31-6 with 20 minutes left. However, determined Evesham hit back with scores through centre Ash Icke and playerof- the-match Connor Greatrix with Harris converting one only for Burton to add a late converted effort.

  • Evesham men won 41-7 against basement boys Redditch and are sixth in Midlands Three West (South).