The Hooters were worthy victors of the second Heineken 10's rugby festival held at Matlock RFC on Saturday 15th August. The well-drilled outfit overcame the Paviors in a closely fought battle, triumphing 14-5. In the plate competition, the Durham Occasionals battled to victory over the Matlock seconds winning 31-26 following an enjoyable day of rugby for all those involved.
Victorious Hooters captain, Paul Boulard, said "Thanks for organising such a great day. We have thoroughly enjoyed it, the lads played some great rugby and it was a bonus to win. A wonderful backdrop and the sun came out along with the stars on the pitch. Thanks to Heineken for putting on such a great tournament."
Tournament organiser Matt Hughes said, "The day has gone extremely well, the weather has been kind and we've seen some fantastic rugby at a very high standard from all the teams involved. I would like to congratulate our two winners here today.
"A massive thanks to Heineken - this is the second year we've hosted the Heineken 10's and I hope our successes with the tournament will lead to bigger and better events in the future."
Charlie Sammut, captain of the plate winners said "It has been a great day and we've seen some fantastic rugby, I'm really pleased that we won this tournament. A big thank you to Matt Hughes, Matlock RFC and Heineken for organising such a great day."
By winning the eighth Heineken 10's festival, Durham Occasionals automatically go into the hat to become eligible for the Heineken legacy donation, which will be awarded to one of the victorious clubs at the completion of all of the Heineken 10's festivals in 2009.
Matlock RFC won the legacy donation last year when the club won the first ever Heineken 10's tournament. The legacy grant has been used to improve the club facilities, which were first used at the tournament over the weekend. Crowds were in excess of 600 and the evening's entertainment which included two bands ensured that the day was a great success.
Following a successful inaugural year of the first ever national 10's rugby competition in 2008, the Heineken 10's returns bigger and better in 2009. With 15 tournaments hosted at rugby clubs nationwide between May and September, this is the first ever social rugby tens tournament of its kind. It promises to attract even more amateur rugby players - with over 2500 taking part in 2009.
