Land Rover

Pictures: Exeter Rugby Club/Pinnacle Photographic Agency

By Mark Stevens

Having claimed success in the inaugural Land Rover Premiership Cup held at Sandy Park last year, youngsters from Topsham’s Under-12s section were again celebrating after triumphing at the home of the Exeter Chiefs on Sunday.

Among 600 children to take part in the tournament – which is now into its second year – last season’s Under-11s champions edged out Barnstaple in a thrilling final 10-5 to claim the silverware once more.

Having earlier advanced from one of four pools, Topsham overcame Wellington 10-0 in the semi-finals, whilst Barnstaple – who drew their last four encounter 0-0 – advanced past Sidmouth into the final having scored more tries in the pool stages.

In the Under-11s section, Redruth were the other victors as they saw off Exeter Chiefs in an equally tight final.

The Cornish club took the honours – this despite the final finishing 5-5 – after scoring the opening try in a keenly contested affair.

Earlier Redruth had advanced from Pool 3 to set-up a semi-final meeting with Topsham, whilst the Chiefs tackled Ivybridge in the other fixture.

Participating players at the tournament had the opportunity to meet current Exeter Chiefs stars Haydn Thomas, Chris Bentley and James Hanks, who took time out of their schedule to watch the young teams, offer some coaching tips between games and present trophies and medals to the finalists.

As well as winning the festival, the young players from both Topsham and Redruth have also won places in the prestigious Land Rover Parade of Champions where they will be presented to a sell-out crowd at Twickenham during the Aviva Premiership Rugby Final next May.

Commenting on the support of the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup, Laura Schwab, Marketing Director of Land Rover UK, said: “We are thrilled that the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup is proving to be such a success and continues to build in momentum and profile for what is now its fourth year.

“It is a significant initiative which provides a unique opportunity for young players to channel their enthusiasm for the sport and to play in a national tournament.  Land Rover’s commitment to rugby now covers all levels of the game, from Rugby World Cup 2011, to supporting the elite of the England Rugby team, as well as the young players of the future, and this is something that we are extremely proud of.”

The club wish to thank the support of Tony Pearson from Matford Land Rover in Exeter and all the players, coaches, parents and supporters for all their help in making the tournament a huge success once again.

For more information on the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup please visit: www.premiershiprugby.com/landrovercup

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