Following last year’s hugely successful day-long celebration of rugby, Sandbach RUFC promise this year’s Festival of Sport will be the biggest yet.
Local motors business Crewe Volkswagen is to again be lead sponsor of the annual event, which is being held on Saturday, May 30 and sees the introduction of two new events.
As well as featuring a Men’s Open 7s competition and a Veterans 10s, the 2015 Festival of Sport will also include a ladies’ netball competition and a touch rugby competition.
More than 500 participants are expected to compete in the family friendly, day long festival, with upwards of 800 spectators.
The Weston Road Volkswagen dealership already sponsors Sandbach RUFC, which prides itself on its strictly amateur status.
Chris Bennett, from the Sandbach organising committee, said: “We are delighted to have the support of lead sponsor Crewe Volkswagen for a second year running, and confident that this year’s event will be our best ever.
“Year on year we are building on the success and reputation of the event, which quite rightly lives up to being hailed by many as one of the best competitions not just in the North West, but across the whole country.
“It is only with the financial support of our sponsors that we are able to offer such a great day with programmes, officials, PA systems, goody bags and trophies all costing money.”
Ben Gilbert, brand manager at Crewe Volkswagen, said: “We are thrilled to again be involved with such a prestigious event as the 2015 Festival of Rugby.
“As a business, we know how important it is to offer support to local groups that serve our community and Sandbach RUFC is a prime example of this.
“We said last year that we wanted to be part of the evolution of the Festival, and I think that is still the case. The addition of new sports and attractions this year ensures that the festival truly offers something for everyone.”
Final planning is now under way, with entries already received from some of the top clubs in the area. The 7s is open to players aged 17 and over while the vets is strictly for the over 35s and will feature 10 players per side playing 10 minutes each way.
The day will include a full programme of supporting activities, including a range of children’s activities, as well as hot and cold food, teas, coffee and a well-stocked bar.
Final details of all competition and the draws will be made in the week prior to the tournament, but each will begin with a number of pools followed by knock-out stages. In addition to the main cups, there will also be a prize for the best dress team of the festival!
For more details, go to the Sandbach RUFC website at www.sandbachrufc.co.uk
CAPTION: The winners of the 2014 competition, The Sandbach Rascals