Some fantastic local rugby talent was on display from St Benildus College, De La Salle College Churchtown and St. Andrew’s College as players converged on Kirwan Park, the home of De La Salle Palmerston FC for the inaugural ‘Salmo 10s’ tournament.

Played on a beautiful sunny day, some excellent running rugby was played as the teams went head to head.

Made up predominantly of fifth and sixth year pupils, each team played each other once in a round robin before the final was played to decide the winner. St Benildus fielded two teams for the tournament and they both reached the final which ensured a great result for the school regardless of the final score.

The grand final was won convincingly by ‘Benildus 2’ to gain bragging rights at school and to top off a fantastic day for the college.

The plan is to make the tournament bigger and better next year with more schools involved and some silverware up for grabs.

A massive thank you must go to DLSP for hosting the tournament, the staff and coaches of the schools and of course, the players for making the day what it was.

DLSP’s Club Community Rugby Officer, Vic Ball, who organised the tournament, added: “Today has been a huge success. As a real community club, it’s important we work with our local schools and colleges and build those school/club ties. By hosting something like this, as a 10-a-side tournament, it’s also something different which is exciting for the players and gives them another opportunity at the end of the season to pull on the school jersey again, some for the last time as 6th year pupils. From a club point-of-view, it’s a chance to show off our facilities and our grounds and hopefully attract some of these school leavers to the club. The enjoyment, friends and memories you make in rugby are what it’s all about. I really encourage the boys to stick with their rugby after they leave school as it can play a huge part in shaping their character as young men in terms of values, respect and hard work.”

If any other schools would like to participate in similar events, please contact Club Community Officer Vic Ball on 087-9319830 or by email dlspccro@leinsterrugby.ie