Brian’s Bruisers came out top in the fun filled Friendship Touch Rugby Festival at City of Derry Rugby Club on Saturday afternoon.

Despite a strong challenge in the final, from Richard’s Rockets, the Bruisers managed to hold on to an early lead and ran out winners by 18 – 10 at the end of an entertaining day’s rugby.

The competition featured eight teams drawn from the players of City of Derry’ woman’s and men’s sides. The teams were split into two pools of four and a series of matches were played on a league basis with the pool winners going into the final.

Under the rules of the competition bonus points were awarded for scores from women and the “more senior” men of the teams leading to some interesting substitution decision’s and a few extra passes as the try line approached and initially there were a few “discussions” as the teams tried to come to terms with the format of play.

However the hard working team of referees featuring B Lynch, I Orr, G Gillen, H Robinson,  E Deans, N Deeney and J Rankin quickly established order as the competition progressed leading to some entertaining and competitive matches.

Richard’s Rockets came through Group One with wins over Phil’s Phantoms and Russel’s Rhinos and a draw against Sam’s Saxons leaving the Rockets the only inbeaten side in their group.

Brian’s Bruiser’s progressed through their group in stately fashion with wins over Mick’s Mavericks and Diane’s Dynamos before squeezing past Steve’s Supremo’s in a hotly contested match which decided the group.

Both teams served up a fast paced game in the final, however, the defensive organisation of Brian’s Bruisers won the day, restricting their opponents to two scores.

Final Teams From: Mark Spencer, Heisley Robinson, Brian Prue, Rudi Moore, Peter Corr, Mike Poole, Lizzie Ballentine, J Rankin, Megs Lapsley, Bevan Lynch, Kevin McLaughlin, Richard McCarter, Maurice Logue, Nathan Deeney, John ‘Sledgehammer’ Black, Philip Duffy, Malcolm Montgomery, Richard Gillen, Mal Kelly, Grainne Crabtree