The South and West of the country were lashed by severe storms and heavy rain for the preceding Sunday night, and most of Monday. A large part of Sunday’s Shipping Forecast was devoted to reports of "violent storm force 11" with a special mention of "hurricane force 12" in Shannon! It may not have been quite as dramatic in south west London on Monday and Tuesday but a number of pitches were flooded.

This was quite ironic because they had been in probably the best condition the organisers had ever seen just the day before. But they were no match for the sheer volume of water that came down that night. In total 16 pitches (of the 25 available) were lost to the Tournament by mid afternoon on the Monday. By that stage the Juniors, or rather those who were brave enough to stick it out, were reduced to playing on half sized pitches. It became clear that there was absolutely no prospect of playing either the Prep Tournament that afternoon, or even the Festival the next day, and both were cancelled. Strangely, that seemed to alter the weather. The rain stopped and a strong, drying wind blew. The pitches started to drain and there were just enough in good condition to complete the final stages of the Junior Tournament the next day.

Last years’ winners, Judd, worked their way into the Quarter Finals where a strong RGS High Wycombe side proved too powerful for them. At the other end of the draw Emanuel were advancing past the Welsh sides, Bro Morgannwg, Glantaf and Amman Valley to a book a place in the finals. RGS comfortably accounted for Colstons to take the other slot and then they proved too good for Emanuel as they romped home 24 – 7, conceding just 6 tries in all their games.

With the pitches continuing to dry, an encouraging weather forecast (and pumps being deployed on some of the more seriously affected pitches) it was decided to go ahead with the Colts. It was a close decision, but luckily the forecast proved correct and there was a full day’s play on the Wednesday.

In the tournament Sedbergh, some peoples’ favourite, were shorn of 4 players by England call ups. Even so, they proved a very useful outfit racking up some big scores. Elsewhere, Tonbridge squeezed past Millfield 17 – 14, who had already put out Colstons. But Brynteg began to show their class and disposed of Sedbergh’s conquerors, Whitchurch, in the semis to meet Tonbridge in the Final. The Kent side dominated the early stages and eventually took the lead but they faded towards the end of the first half and Brynteg then took control of the game, running out worthy winners 14 – 5.

(All Pictures down this page to this one from Karl Lincoln)

In the Girls Tournament both last year’s finalists (Colstons and Benenden) came through the group stages unscathed. However, this turned out to be the most physically demanding Girls Tournament anyone had seen. One "hit" in particular, in the final, lingers in the mind. Benenden lost to Yeovil in the Quarter final, who in turn, lost to East Norfolk VI Form College. On the other side of the draw Colstons brushed off Welbeck’s challenge. The Final between these two sides certainly did not lack commitment. East Norfolk took an early lead with an unconverted try and some bone crunching tackling ensured their line was never breached.

The Open Tournament hit new heights in terms of skill and determination. Colstons, the Holders, came through their group but fell at the first hurdle on the second day to St Peter’s, York. Millfield then squeezed past St Peter’s in the Quarter final 24 – 15, but they then lost a nail biting match 21 – 19 to Sedbergh. In the other half of the draw the raw pace, and no little strength, kept John Fisher moving smoothly through the rounds, beating Northern Sevens Champions, Kirkham, in the Quarter Finals and Glantaf in the Semis. However, when they met Sedbergh in the final they had no real answer to the northern school’s experience and skills.

Sedbergh won 19 – 0.