WEEK 6 - SATURDAY, JULY 24, 2010
105 teams, 1,000 players,
172 games set record
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Photos and story by K.J. Feury
CHESTER - In 2009, the Guiness Book of World Records recongized ut Youth Mini Tag Rugby Festival here as the largest ever played as 95 teams and 832 players participated.
We'll be asking the good people at Guiness to update that record because the 2010 edition of the festival drew 105 teams and close to 1,000 players as 172 games were played on the 17 beautiful fields at the Black River Fields complex here on Saturday, July 24, 2010.
That's a lot of rugby and a lot of ruggers! And a lot of fun, too!
Players 5-to-14 years of age played on team of seven that played two fast 10-minute halves for each game.
The Festival was sponsored once again by the Morris Rugby Corporation and programs that participated included the Denville Dawgs, Montville Wanderers, Long Valley Wolfpack, Parsippany Panthers, Black River Renegades, Morristown Colonials, Mine Hill Tigers, Bryam Bruins and Tri-Town Mountaineers from Morris County; Berkeley Heights, Westfield and Craford from Uniont County; Jersey City from Hudson County; and Blackthorn Doylestown and North Penn from Pennsylvania.
Fresh fruit, bagels and plenty of cold water was available for all. The Chester Fire Department was on hand with a pumper truck to cool off the players.
The atmosphere was warm and friendly as players, parents and spectators converted the sidelines into small tent cities.
On behalf of Morris Rugby, thanks go out to the Township of Chester for the use of the fields and to the Chester Fired Department and First Aid Squad for their continued support.
Tournament directors Tom and Chris Grego are to be commended for their energy and guidance.
A special word of thanks also goes out to all the parent volunteers who coach, cheer, help raise funds and bring the players and equipment, food, water, etc., to the games.
Most of all, we'd like to thank all the young ruggers for participating. Your enthusiasm, energy and sportmanship helped make the festival - and the sport of American Flag Rugby - what it is today!
Plans are already underway fo next year's festival in hopes that it will be bigger and better than ever ... and we'll have to get in touch with the Guiness people again!
