DEVIZES mini rugby tournament has been hailed a success despite the bad weather at the weekend.

In Chippenham's first festival of the season, the under 8s took two squads to the tournament at Dauntsey's School. The A team won three out of four matches and were narrowly beaten in one of them, showing their tremendous form.

The under 8s B team played several A teams and out of four matches, won two.

A tremendous effort was put in by the under 9s. Tired of their recent losing streak, they won two games and lost two.

An impressive performance was also put in by the under 10s.

Five straight wins for the under 12s keep them on their unbeaten record this season. An exceptional 35 tries over five games came from playing textbook rugby in a team environment.

Devizes under 8s struggled in the early stages and ultimately surprised themselves by winning the plate despite frozen fingers and mud-clogged boots.

The star scores were made by Christopher Isaacs (a hat-trick in one game, four in all) Angus Nisbet (four in all) and Peter Thomson. Mark Fox scored a critical try. Lewis Pickard and Jacob Newcomer scored further tries and provided great defence. Henry Bristow was tireless in support. Edward Marden came close to the line several times. Oliver Usher made several key passes. George Combe provided a solid midfield platform. Charlie Watts and Gregory Townend and Stephen all made valuable contributions.

The under 11s team needed this tournament, not having played a competitive game for a month. Their first against Marlborough was a very one-sided affair, Marlborough having to include some under 10s to make up their number.

The game started auspiciously with prop Philip Lewis powering his way to the line and the team getting more coordinated and sharper as tries by Rory Davis (2), Matthew Hardman, Olly Linton (3), returning player Harry Williams with a great run through the middle, and was finished by the other prop, Orrie Brassington, going over from a maul near the line. 45-0 the points score.

A further 10 tries were scored against Cooper and Avon Tyres, Melksham in the second game with 2 opening tries by Josh Gould, 2 from Josh Lyons, 2 from Olly Linton. 2 from Daniel Sainsbury and one each from Edmund Luke and Matthew Hardman.

The third match was the cruncher. The Devizes and Salisbury defences were performing well and there was no score at half-time. Midway through the second half, the Salisbury scrum-half dived over from three feet and the only score of the match was achieved. Finally, in a lower-key affair, winger Olly Linton got the three tries which beat Corsham 3-1.

Devizes were runners-up in this inaugural tournament.

In the other age groups, the under 9s were runners-up having won two of their four matches. The under 10s were third having won one and drawn two of their four. The under 12s were fourth.