A SHORTAGE of players didn't stop Blackheath U13s from claiming the title at the Maidenhead Festival.

While the lads were warming up for what they believed was a 10-a-side competition, they noticed the opposition teams had 15 players each.

Fortunately, Blackheath had brought five substitutes but each team member still had to play five 20-minute games on a full-size pitch without a break.

Six teams were entered for the tournament and the rules stated there would be no conversions. Blackheath opened with a hard-fought 5-5 draw against tournament favourites and Bristol champions, Cleeve. In the second game Club defeated Henley 15-5 before running in nine tries against Bletchley. Blackheath scored a further six tries against Banbury which meant they would claim the trophy if they overcame hosts Maidenhead in the final game.

Club needed to score two tries but ran in 10 to end a very successful day. Club spokesman Andrew Turvey was delighted with the boys' performance. "The level of commitment was supreme and on behalf of the coaches and parents I would like to thank all of the boys," he said.

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