More teams than ever tag along

Rob Kershaw (Cobras) makes a last ditch tag in the Super Cup final against Notting Hill

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The Rochdale International Mixed Tag Rugby League Festival 2011 proved to be the most successful to date, with 27 adult teams from across the UK and Europe partaking in the fun, non contact version of Rugby League.

The weekend kicked off on Friday (27) day with 20 teams taking part in the Rochdale Borough Tag Rugby League festival, organised by the Bolton, Bury and Rochdale Rugby League Development Group.

Ryan Bradley, Bolton, Bury and Rochdale Community Rugby League Manager for Link4Life, said: "It was another great festival and plans are already underway for 2012.

“I would just like to thank Farah Rahman from Link4Life and the Wigan 'Personal Best' scheme for providing all of the volunteers and in particularly Danny Crampton (Calderdale), Richard Thompson (Hull and District), Matthew Crowley (Spotland Whistlers) and all of the other officials for officiating all the games to a very high standard and making the festival a fantastic success.”

The morning competition comprised of year 5 and 6 teams playing in groups of 4 to qualify them for the afternoon session, where they were seeded into groups based on there ability. It was St James (Wardle) that ran out as victors and will go forward to the Greater Manchester Mini Games in June as the Boroughs representatives.

The adult group stages were played out in a party atmosphere especially with the loose eligibility rules. The two group winners were England and Wales, who then the serious business started and the game was played after a far higher tempo and skill level. With the lead changing several times the game eventually finished in a deserved 3-3 draw, and the teams shared the Winners Shield which is sponsored by the Littleborough Sports Centre.

Saturday saw the main event, The Rochdale International Mixed Tag Rugby League Festival. Teams from the North West, Yorkshire, London, Wales and France, as well as a Kiwi and Australian Exiles teams took part in a competition spread over nearly 5 hours.

The Rochdale Hornets Super Cup Plate was played out as a repeat of last years final, with two times winners Littleborough Lightning taking on the Kiwi Exiles team NV US. It was Lightning who had the cutting edge, ensuring that they came away from the competition with a winner’s trophy for the third year running.

During the festival there was also a 'Back the Bid' Sprint Challenge, as numerous competitors took part in a full pitch sprint challenge to show their support for Rochdale’s bid to host a Rugby League World Cup fixture in 2013. Joshua Pinder from The Flying Horse, Rochdale ran out winner in the men’s race.

Emily Wynn, from the Rochdale Swarm, said: "This year’s festival surpassed all our expectations.

“The standard of play, coupled with the record number of teams and the buy-in from Rochdale players and clubs has been fantastic.

“We would like to thank all those who supported the event, especially Ryan Bradley and Danny Pyke from the Bolton, Bury and Rochdale Rugby League Development Group and Terri Davey from Hornets who worked so hard to support the Festival and make it the success it is.

“We also are really grateful to all at Littleborough Sports Centre for their continued support, particularly Ste Parks, David Rawlinson and Brian Hurst along with all the canteen staff who worked so hard the entire weekend."