Report by Pete Ascroft

May 21st 2000 was a glorious day for 7's rugby. It was a sunny day with a pleasant breeze,good rugby, as well as BBQs , beer and Barcardi breezers to keep the enthusiastic spectators more than happy.Well done for Stoke organising such a pleasant end to the season.

Port Sunlight RFC , following their success in the plate competition last year looked forward to competing in this years expanded tournament. There were 16 teams ( 2 from port sunlight )in 4 groups of 4 teams . The groups played round robins to produce Cup and plate knock out fixtures. Our 'young side' improved on last years effort by getting to the quarter final of the cup.Which was won by the East Staffordshire nomads. Our Cosmopolitan (old ) 7 put in a truly sterling effort but just failed to retain the plate for the club by losing to the eventual winners Newcastle , in the semi-final.

The efforts of all the players were a credit to Port Sunlight RFC , particularly as they suffered considerable disruption on the day. Our man of the tournament had to be the venerable Ronnie Lee, who displayed his own brand of wizardry for all to enjoy.

A close second were 'sooty' for all his enthusiastic running, together with John Spendler, and the three musketeers from Prenton RFC , Joe, Neil and Gareth who all filled the breech in our numbers at the eleventh hour- well done and many thanks.Congradulations must also go to Pete Metcalf who threw the dummy of the tournament and Chris McGrath, the team organisers, who both played for the 'Cosmo's ' 7 throughout.

Both our teams will be inbepted to our most durable President Bob Gurney, who completed a 3 day marathon of Dinners and Beer Fests, for his organisation of our coach transport and his presence throughout the day. Last but not least thanks must go to the vociferous band of gals and guys who supported the teams ' efforts on such a pleasant day out. Finally a message to those club members who said they were available to play/ travel and who pulled out and/or failed to turn up on the day - take a long hard look at yourselves.