WET and windy conditions failed to put a dampener on Weymouth Rugby Club’s youth festival.

The weather was far from ideal on the Saturday but dozens of teams, from under-7s to under-12s, put their skills to the test.

And although the following day’s activities were curtailed after the weather took another turn for the worse, club chairman Glyn Arnold remained upbeat.

He said: “Unfortunately there was no Rugby on the Sunday due to the weather but we did have a prize-giving. The wind chill was phenomenal and the pitch became waterlogged so we took the decision for the children’s welfare.

“But the Saturday was great and everything went to schedule. We had around 1,200 people in total and everyone who came had a thoroughly good time.

“They also expressed an interest in coming again, so we must be doing something right.

“We hope to run another festival next year as in terms of revenue they are very important for the club.”

The hosts enjoyed the greatest level of success in the youngest age category – the under-7s – where they placed third behind winners Beaconsfield Hawks and runners-up Old Grammarians Duty.

Beaconsfield proved a strong outfit throughout the competition, also claiming the under-8, 11 and 12 titles.

Dorchester A tasted glory in the under-10 section while Banbury Saints took the under-9 spoils on points difference.