Irish take top prize in Newcastle Festival of Rugby
A total of 22 teams took part in three competitions, the well-supported event consisting of men’s elite, men’s social and a women’s tournament.
Irish Wolfhounds, a development side for the Irish national 7s team, defeated Mighty Peth 24-21 in a close-fought semi-final, Scottish composite side ‘The South’ beating RED Wailers 26-21 to set up a final which the Irish won 24-7.
In the women’s event it was Northcastle, a combined Newcastle and Northumbria University side, who prevailed, the men’s social tournament delivering silverware for Novos.
The Sutherland Park club defeated neighbours Medicals 21-14 in their semi-final, setting up the main match against West Hartlepool. Novos took that one 35-26, tournament organiser Gavin Beasley delighted by the turn-out on and off the field.
Beasley said: “It was great to see so many teams here taking part in the Newcastle Festival of Rugby. As a first attempt it gives us a great base to build from and we are thankful to the many people, clubs and companies who supported the event.
“Greene King generously sponsored the prize pot, Spark Radio from Sunderland University provided the stadium music and announcements and the volunteers from Newcastle and Gateshead Colleges really helped the day to run smoothly.
“There was some great rugby played across all three competitions and we look forward to hopefully building on this success next year.”
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Northcastle taking part in the women’s competition
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No shortage of aggression in the men’s elite final
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Novos celebrate victory in the men’s social event
[1]: http://www.newcastlefalcons.co.uk/Content/site/page/489d2791-8a74-4fe2-bb5b-a3cec26034c9-7swomenfestivalcropped.jpg
[2]: http://www.newcastlefalcons.co.uk/Content/site/page/ed1789ee-61de-4c7e-83cd-7dff9af946db-7sfinaltiptackle.jpg
[3]: http://www.newcastlefalcons.co.uk/Content/site/page/fea270b5-ef47-4c5f-8f45-767a56c72385-7snovosteamshot.jpg
