LEDBURY RFC's inaugural sevens tournament last Sunday exceeded all expectations, the standard of rugby was first class and the level of competitiveness for the £5,000 top prize was very much in evidence.

Spectators basked in Mediterranean conditions whilst the commentary was provided by Dave Balch, who kept up a brilliant tirade of indiscriminate banter throughout the day, that provided much entertainment.

Hosts Ledbury nearly caused an early upset by holding Rugby Lions to a draw in the first game. Hartpury then had a convincing win over Aberavon, followed by Oxford University, who eased to a comfortable win over Malvern.

Ledbury then faced a huge task when they played Public Schools Wanderers, with their massive array of talent. The half-century score by the visitors could have been more if the home side had capitulated.

Samurai then had a convincing win over Hartpury. Malvern were given another hard lesson by Welsh Exiles, but they also displayed great tenacity in scoring three tries to the six Welsh.

The quarter-finals went much as expected, with the Army defeating Rugby with ease, Wanderers also seeing off Marauders, Samurai comprehensively outplaying Welsh Exiles and Oxford University pipping Hartpury College in a thrilling match.

The semi-finals were extremely competitive and there were a few surprises, as Samurai saw off the much-fancied Army. Wanderers had an easier tie and made neat work of Oxford University.

Malvern then faced Aberavon in a titanic struggle for the Plate final to play Ledbury, who had a bye due to Hereford's late withdrawal. Lost out in the dying seconds of the match to an Aberavon golden try in extra-time.

The Plate final saw the hosts Ledbury take on Aberavon, and it was simply a case of too much pace for the home team to cope with as the Welshmen won their £1,000 prize.

The cup final was 10 minutes each way, and it soon became apparent that the Samurai had been saving their best till last. Wanderers could not contain their ebullient opposition, after they lost their fly-half with a hamstring injury in the semi-finals.

The trophies, which were donated by the Malvern Gazette & Ledbury Reporter, were presented by Mike Teague, of Gloucester, England and the British Lions.

It was an unforgettable day in Ledbury RFC's 123-year history and the club's intention is to make the tournament annual event.

Ledbury RFC will also be making a donation to SPIRE in the next few weeks, as a result of the tournament.

Results:

Ledbury 28, Rugby 28; Hartpury 24, Aberavon 12; Malvern 12, Oxford U 34; Ledbury 0, PSW 54; Hartpury 12, Samurai 27; Malvern 19, Welsh Exiles 38; Army 43, Marauders 12; PSW 35, Rugby 28; Samurai 41, Aberavon 11; Welsh Exiles 12, Oxford U 24. Quarter-finals: Army 31, Rugby 7; PSW 36, Marauders 19; Samurai 36, Welsh Exiles 12; Oxford U 26, Hartpury 24. Semi-finals: Army 21, Samurai 35; Oxford 14, PSW 26. Cup-final: Samurai 42, PSW 12.

Plate semi-final: Ledbury (bye). Aberavon 24, Malvern 19. Plate final: Aberavon 45, Ledbury 10.