Sandbach RUFC held its second day-long celebration of rugby at the weekend, which thanks to sponsorship from a leading local business proved even bigger and better than last year.
Crewe Volkswagen was lead sponsor of the 2014 Festival of Rugby on Saturday, May 24, which attracted 24 teams from across the country and featured a Men’s Open 7s competition, and a Veterans 10s.
Up to 350 players competed in the family friendly, day long festival, which despite the rain attracted hundreds of spectators.
Sandbach’s own team, the Sandbach Rascals, secured the top trophy of the competition, beating Nico’s Welsh Wizards in the 7s final. Other winners included Congleton in the 7s Bowl, AMC in the Vets Cup and Bowdon in the Vets Bowl.
Crewe Volkswagen, based on Weston Road, already sponsors Sandbach RUFC, which prides itself on its strictly amateur status, in a deal that was launched last year.
Brand manager Ben Gilbert said: “We were thrilled to be involved with such a prestigious event as the Festival of Rugby and can report that it was a fantastic end to the season for Sandbach.
“I’m sure that over the coming years the Festival is set to grow in size and reputation and become a major fixture on the rugby calendar not just in the North West, but across the country. It was good for us to be a part of it so early in the competition’s evolution.”
Woody Barlow, from the Sandbach organising committee, said: “We are very grateful to Crewe Volkswagen for sponsoring what proved to be a hugely successful festival.
“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.
“Thanks also to all the teams who took part and put our Festival firmly on the map. We look forward to welcoming them all back next year.”