MORE than 60 children tackled the challenge of a tag rugby festival at Margaret Wix School recently.

The goal of the festival, organised by Martin Gallagher, rugby youth development officer for Herts and St Albans' community leisure unit, was to provide both girls and boys with the opportunity to take part in a fun and enjoyable competiton.

Teachers from Mount Pleasant School and Margaret Wix School attended a recent teacher training session, and in turn received free rugby equipment for their schools.

After two weeks intensive coaching, both schools competed at the festival, with teams of eight girls and boys playing seven round robin games to find the overall winners.

Each side wore the colours of different rugby nations, and a team from Mount Pleasant, kitted out in the colours of France, emerged victorious.

Mount Pleasant's successful players were Jonathan Sealy, Corrine Rekins, Ross Ashcroft, Aaron Clarke, Jini Kirby, Alex Hall, Francesca Alzeta, Christina Kyriacon, Gemma Gallies and Millie Mitchell.

Sealy was also chosen as a player of the tournament, as was Margaret Wix's Annesha Parkinson.

Paul Coates, St Albans' youth sports development officer, said: "All the children really enjoyed the event, and the level of rugby was very high."

He added: "I hope all the children will continue to play rugby, both in schools and at local clubs."

Any other schools interested in this scheme should telephone Paul on 01727 811084 for more information on the opportunities available.