Dorking U.12’s scoop silverware at Surrey A’s!

Once again the county’s premier Minis festival for 7-12 year olds took place at Dorking RFC on Sunday.

Thought to be the largest rugby festival of its kind held on a single site, 4,500 people including 2160 players from 27 clubs descended on the Big Field in what proved to be another hugely successful event.

A chilly wind didn’t prevent some great rugby being played across all six age groups. With senior dignataries from Surrey Rugby in attendance the army of volunteers from Dorking RFC ensured the Festival went off without a hitch. Organiser Mark Janaway explains, “ the club is honoured to host the event on behalf of Surrey, but it is only possible due to so many members pulling together over the weekend so that on the day the festival runs like clockwork.”

The festival was sponsored by Land Rover and supported by Harlequins RFC, who, as part of their on going Communnity Programme very kindly sent a number of their leading international players including Danny Care and Jordan Turner-Hall down to the festival to sign autographs and make the presentations to the winners.

Perhaps the biggest cheer of the day came when the Quins LV cheerleaders performed on the main pitch at lunchtime, braving the wintry weather. A number of local vendors were also in attendance, making the tournament a real community event.

Dorking teams performed admirably – the U.7’s reached the semi final of the Bowl competition, the U.8’s reached the quarter final of the Bowl, U’9’s reached the quarter final of the Plate, the U.10’s reached the quarter final of the Cup, the U.11’s reached the quarter final of the Plate, but the U.12’s, whose last festival it was before moving up to league rugby next season, won the Bowl competition against a spirited Cranleigh side, see photo attached.