TWO SOUTH-based clubs, Rainbow and Exiles, came away with the four titles at stake when the DHL NACRA (North America Caribbean Rugby Association) International Beach Rugby tournament was played off at Las Cuevas on Sunday last.
The all-day tournament was hosted by the Royalians Rugby Football Club, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Royalians, formed by former Queen’s Royal College players in 1965, has a number of events planned to mark its landmark silver anniversary.
Sunday’s round-robin styled tournament was dominated by the Rainbow Sports and Cultural Club, which claimed three of the four competition categories. The Marabella outfit adapted best to playing on the sand, capturing both the Junior Male and Junior Female divisions, and they also took home the coveted Senior Male Division Trophy and its accompanying cash prize.
Not to be left out, Rainbow’s neighbours, the Exiles Youth Club out of Gasparillo was the pick of the day among the female teams and took home the Senior Female Division Trophy and cash prize.
Kwanieze John, representing NACRA at the event, expressed satisfaction with the way the day went. “We are happy to support initiatives that celebrate rugby and the development of rugby throughout the region,” she said.
“It was a well organised tournament by the Royalians RFC in celebration of their 50th Anniversary.” Patrick Roberts, chairman of Royalians’ 50th Anniversary Committee, was also delighted.
“The Beach Rugby tournament was great,” he said at day’s end. “It showed how beautiful we are as a club, as a fantastic day of rugby was held on a scenic Las Cuevas beach in perfect weather conditions. A heartfelt thanks to my 55 Royalians club mates who worked to make this event a tremendous success.”