BRIDPORT Rugby Club held its annual primary school Tag Festival competition with 16 schools from all over West Dorset participating.

The competition followed two months of training carried out by coaches from the rugby club within many local schools to make players aware of the tag rugby principles.

Played with seven players a side, tags are attached to players’ waists and a tackle is made by pulling a tag off the opposition player. A fast and exciting game, tag rugby is played between mixed teams of girls and boys.

There were four groups of four teams in a round-robin format and the group winners were Bridport Primary, Parrot & Axe, Mrs Ethelston’s and Bridport St Catherine’s.

Both semi-finals were close games with Mrs Ethelston’s overcoming St Catherine’s 7-3 and Parrot & Axe scoring in the final minutes to just beat Bridport Primary 6-4.

In the final, both teams showed the pace and skill they have developed with Mrs Ethelston’s of Uplyme making the most of their opportunities to run out 5-2 winners.

The victors, who repeated their success of 12 months previously, now go forward to represent West Dorset in the area finals.

All players received a commemorative medal for participating in the competition.

Blues’ junior chairman Julian Hussey said: “This was a very successful day thanks to the players and teachers from all schools and the club coaches who refereed all games, with refreshments provided by many club volunteers.

“The club would like to thank Morrisons and LV Insurance who kindly sponsored the festival.”