Now in its sixth year the Scarborough Mini Rugby Festival consists of around 50 teams from as far north as Edinburgh and as far south as Kent, with over 600 players across ages U7-U12, playing 200 matches, over 2 half days, and staying at local Holiday Parks.

The U11s competition included 10 teams from the midlands, north west, north east and Scotland. The dragons first match was against a reduced Scarborough side who unfortunately could not field a full team and it was decided that 7 aside was to be played with Leigh switching their squad at half time. A confident Dragons wasted no time in making their presence felt at the tournament scoring several in both halves to win 5-0. Three of the days forfeits were also given out to the dads of the lads for the first try, first knock-on and first penalty. The fourth was to the dad of the lad who scored the last try of the day. The forfeit was for the dads to all dance to a nominated song at the evening entertainment night! Torture for most dads!

The next game of the day was Northern Blues from Newcastle who Leigh played in last year’s tournament. Again the Dragons showed confidence in both attack and defence and won the game 3-0. Leigh Dragons were showing the skills they had developed all season and received numerous compliments from spectators and other coaches who looked on nervously.

In the third game Leigh faced Southport who they had beaten earlier in the season. Southport showed skill and speed and it was the Dragons biggest test of the day but Leigh won the game 2-0.
The last match of the day was against Barton from Staffordshire. Building on the day’s performance Leigh continued to dominate and showed power and intelligent skills winning 5-0 and ending the day without conceding a try, which was an outstanding achievement against tough opposition and putting Leigh in a leading position in the league going into the second day.

Spirits were up that evening and both lads and dads had a great time back at the holiday park near Filey. Regardless on Sunday’s games, the lads could be proud of their day’s rugby and their team spirit.

Sunday’s games started with a jolt as the Dragons played Currie Ambers from Edinburgh. It was a close game and Leigh were slow to start and had lost a little of their sparkle. The game remained level until a try by Currie Ambers right on the final whistle with the Leigh loosing 1-0.

Next up was Stewart Melville Reds, who looked one of the strongest teams that the Dragons had faced. This was indeed true with Leigh being well beaten 4-1. It was time to regroup and find Saturday’s form as next up was Northern Pinks from Newcastle, last year’s winners who beat Leigh in the league stages and last year’s final.

Leigh started with a spring in their step. They were not going to be beaten again and started the game with a quick try. In games that only last 6 minutes each half it is crucial to get points early. Northern Pinks responded and pushed hard into the Leigh half but the Dragon’s defence was outstanding and the score remained 1-0 to Leigh at half time. With the wind against the Dragon’s Northern Pink started the second half as they ended the first and kept the pressure on. Again Leigh defended but Northern Pink eventually scored to level things to 1-1. Again Leigh were forced to defend hard and did so with determination. The game finished 1-1 demonstrating how much the Leigh team has developed over this season, they were easily beaten by the same team the previous year and now were only one of two teams over the two days not to be beaten Northern Pinks at this year’s tournament.

The next game was Currie Blacks, another team from the Edinburgh club. Leigh’s form was returning and the match finished 3-0 to Leigh. With a draw and two loses in order to progress to the final Leigh needed to win their last match and Stewart Melville Reds draw or lose their match. With the last match against Stewart Melville’s other team, Stewarts Melville Golds this was not going to be an easy task and the match remained close throughout. In the second half a quick break from Stewarts Melville Golds ended the game and Leigh lost 1-0. Leigh Dragons progress in the tournament came to a close coming third overall. Against tough opposition the Dragon’s once again showed their strength, skills, sportsmanship and true team spirit, qualities that continue to earn them respect from teams and supporters wherever they play. Nine games, 20 tries and only seven tries conceded.

The final match of the day was the top two teams Northern Pink and Stewart Melville Reds. This was a very close match but saw Stewart Melville Reds break away in the second half to score and crown them U11 champions. Well done Stewart Melville Reds and once again, well done to Leigh Dragons U11s. We are all proud of you. A great festival and tour.