With 2 pitches set up & using small plastic rugby posts to add to the authenticity of the day the first game’s kicked off at 10.30am & as the whistle blew the sun began to shine. Trojans began with a 2-7 defeat to Untaggables RUFC whilst Lydia’s Lads & Arnside Warriors battled to a 3-3 draw. Untaggables RUFC won their second game 6-4 to Arnside Warriors whilst the International Invitational team, (4 nationalities represented), Bondy’s Beachtrotters started with a 4-4 draw against Vale Fat Lads. Junior Colts then began their challenge but unfortunately Lydia’s Lads snatched a 6-5 win, Bondy’s Beachtrotters then won their next 2 games but in the last game before lunch lost 9-11 to Junior Colts.

At the lunch break Untaggables RUFC were leading the way but Vale Fat Lads & Bondy’s Beachtrotters were hot on their heels, Trojans were struggling but a swift liquid replenishment would hopefully sort them out. Through the day crowds gathered to watch & with several families making the most of the day they were rewarded with some fantastic rugby being played.

The afternoon session kicked off with Bondy’s Beachtrotters involved in another high scoring encounter, drawing 8-8 with Lydia’s Lads. The lunchtime liquid obviously did not do Trojans any good losing the basement battle 2-3 to Arnside Warriors, who kept up their record of winning a game like last year, but managed to grab a draw against Junior Colts to ensure the Trojans were not whitewashed. The tiring Invitational side were hammered by Untaggables RUFC 5-12 with some dubious refereeing invovled, & with the Untaggables then beating Vale Fat Lads 6-5 this meant the champions were known.

Ryan Fawcett, the Untaggables RUFC captain lifted the trophy to be crowned Beach Tag Rugby Champions 2012. This brought to an end another fantastic event held on Morecambe Beach & built on the success of last year. Organiser & RFU Community Rugby Coach Martin Powell said ‘After the recent weather there was a worry we would have to cancel, but the day has been superb & I could not have asked for it to have been any better. Everyone who came down today has enjoyed themselves, whether they play rugby every week or in a lot of cases their only rugby event of the year. The main aim of today is to promote rugby, especially Vale of Lune RUFC, & prove that it is not the 15aside version everyone sees, alternative versions like Touch, 7’s & Beach Tag are highly sought after social events’.

As people dispersed, the beach returned to its more customary peaceful sight but everyone started talking about next year’s event & that maybe some training will needed to be done in order to take home the trophy which I am sure Untaggables RUFC will be back to defend.

End Table;
1: Untaggables RUFC
2: Vale Fat Lads
3: Lydia’s Lads
4: Bondy’s Beachtrotters
5: Junior Colts
6: Arnside Warriors
7: Trojans

CRC Powell finished saying, ' A massive thank you to everyone who made the day possible, team captains for getting teams entered, Vale of Lune RUFC for supporting me in running this event, the 3 volunteer officials who gave their day up to help & everyone who stopped to watch adding to the atmosphere of the day. Hope to see you all next year'.

Martin Powell