CLEVE Rugby Club’s under-12s are celebrating after winning the Bristol Bears Defender Cup.
The Defender Cup is a nationwide tournament for under-11 and under-12 teams, with each event hosted by a Premiership club.
On March 30 the U12s’ Bristol leg was held at Bristol Grammar Schools’ sports ground in Failand.
The eventual winners are not decided by on-field results but by a collective vote of all the attending teams as to which club best promotes the RFU’s core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship (TREDS).
Cleve RFC U12s were voted for by teams from 15 other Bristol-based clubs.
Head coach Matt Smith said: “To be recognised for demonstrating these values is an honour.
“The victory is a result of hard work, team spirit and determination.
“Every player gave 100% and all contributed to the overall win.
“This is a testament not only to the players, but also the parents, carers and volunteers who turn up every week.”
The boys who played have been invited to attend the Gallagher Premiership Final at Twickenham on June 14, and will parade around the pitch at half time.
More than 600 children from clubs across the area took part in the annual Cleve RFC Minis Festival in April.
A total of 71 teams, from U7s to U12s, played in a fantastic display of mini-rugby.
After their inaugural minis match in February, Cleve girls have played two more games, a second match with Bristol Harlequins RFC and a friendly with Chosen Hill RFC.
Next season Cleve intends to field a full U12s girls team for the first time in the club’s history.
Girls in Year 5 or Year 6 are being invited to get in touch to try the sport – no experience is necessary and there will be “come and try” sessions over the summer.
For more details, email rugbyclevegirls@gmail.com.
Steve Bateman