A rampaging horde of 700 children and bright sunshine made sure Salisbury Rugby Club’s autumn mini rugby festival returned with a flourish on Sunday.

The annual festival of rugby for boys and girls from six to 11 this year attracted players from a dozen clubs around the region, including from nearby rivals Warminster and Wimborne to further-flung Swanage and Sherborne.

After horizontal rain and ripping wind saw play wrapped up sharply last year, there was joy in the air and a more leisurely pace in the autumn sunshine this year as the five age groups involved battled through a total of more than 140 games between them.

“There is no keeping score in mini rugby, so everyone was playing for fun, challenge and honour -- and thoroughly enjoying themselves,” the club’s director of youth rugby, Ben O’Neill, said. “It’s fantastic to see so many children so engaged and energetic – and I think I may have seen a star or two of the future.”

Festival organiser Steve Hunt, who heads the club’s mini section, stressed the team effort to bring the day off. “It takes an army of volunteers to make it happen, and I want to thank everyone involved,” he said. “Bring on the next one!”

He also extended thanks to key sponsors Heritage Automotive, Chafyn Godolphin and Nunton Farm Dairy, as well as Five Rivers Child Care.

See here for an album of photos of the Minis in action.

Report: Ben O'Neill, Director of Youth Rugby
Photos: John Palmer