THE first-ever Bredon School tag rugby tournament saw more than 70 young boys and girls competing against each other in an eagerly-fought contest.

Eight teams from local schools, Cub groups and rugby clubs turned out for the inaugural tournament, organised by the independent school's head of sport, Mike Carolan.

"Tag rugby has really taken off in the last few years, because it is fast-moving, fun and there is little risk of injury. It's also ideal for both girls and boys," he said.

"The game has become very popular here at Bredon and we felt that staging a tournament was the ideal way to give our pupils the chance to compete against other youngsters."

Supported by a small army of visiting parents, teachers and youth leaders, the teams each played a series of 14-minute games on the school's games fields at Bushley, near Upton-upon-Severn.

Bredon School's Cougars team came joint third with Staunton & Corse Lawn Cubs, from near Gloucester, after losing a thrilling semi-final against Worcestershire side Hanley Badgers by 15-20. Eldersfield Lawn Primary School from Corse Lawn emerged as the tournament's deserved winners after beating the Badgers 25-5 in the final.

The other teams taking part were Bredon School Jaguars, Bredon Buzzards (from Bredon Buzzards RFC), Swindon Village Primary School in Cheltenham and Bredon Hardwick (a barbarians side made up of players from a number of local clubs and schools).