The Ramsey school will represent the island at the National Finals next year

Scoill Ree Gorree B are a step closer to Twickenham after being crowned the Isle of Man's Tag rugby champions.

After beating 2009 winners Buchan A in the semi, the Ramsey School won Wednesday's final against Victoria Road School at the National Sports Centre.

Scoill Ree Gorree B will now represent the island against the best 20 schools in England at the national finals at Rugby School in Warwickshire next year.

"I am so proud of them all," said Scoill Ree Gorree teacher Gareth Hinge.

"We've been training really hard for the tournament and not one of them has missed a session."

The two finalists at Rugby School will get the chance to play in front of 82,000 spectators at Twickenham.

Twickenham is the largest dedicated rugby union venue in the world

The finals were switched to the sports hall at the National Sports Centre in Douglas after the astro pitch was frozen.

There were nine teams in the finals: Buchan A and B, St John's, Kewaigue, St Mary's, Ree Gorree A and B, Ballacottier and Victoria Road.

The nine teams were divided into three pools, with the winner from each and the best runner-up progressing to the semi-finals.

The first semi saw Victoria Road book their place in the final thanks to a golden try victory over Buchan B.

Ree Gorree B progressed after another extremely close battle against last year's champions.

The lead in the final then changed hands on several occasions before Ree Gorree B ran out 6-4 winners.

"The smiles on all of the players' faces was a joy to see," said rugby development officer Ian Williams.

"The way the game is played is a credit to everyone involved. The standard throughout the competition has been exceptional."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version