UP TO 1,000 children and their families descended on a North East school as talented young athletes from across the country pitted their skills on the hockey and rugby pitch.
Barnard Castle School took on a carnival atmosphere for a two-day festival of sport to remember.
More than 100 rugby and hockey matches were staged as U12 and U10 boys and girls competed for a host of silverware.
Newcastle Falcon and Old Barnardian Alex Tait was on hand to watch the emerging talent and present the cup with his family name for the winners of the U12 rugby contest.
Retired Barnard Castle Prep School teacher Sue Seddon presented the Seddon Cup to the winners of the U10 hockey squad while former headmaster David Ewart handed over a cup carrying his name to the victors of the U12 hockey contest.
Barnard Castle School headmaster Tony Jackson said: “The atmosphere was absolutely tremendous and it truly was an event which the young players will remember for the rest of their lives.
“We were thrilled to welcome 24 teams from state and independent schools and Mowden Park Rugby Club, Darlington. Some competitors came from as far away as Perth in Scotland and Buckinghamshire, who we were delighted to host overnight in our boarding accommodation.
“Like all sporting ventures, we celebrate the victors but at the heart of all healthy competition is the ability to win with humility and lose with dignity. This was demonstrated clearly by all concerned and I am sure the festival successfully created for the children lasting memories and new friendships which they will take into adulthood.”
Alex Tait added: “My brother Mathew and I had a great time during our seven years at Barney and really enjoyed a range of sporting activities, superb facilities and coaching. This not only helped us fulfil our sporting ambitions but also provided the opportunity to challenge ourselves academically.”
Schools taking part in the festival were RGS, Newcastle, Sedbergh, Cumbria, Mowden Hall, Northumberland, St Olave’s, York, Yarm, Durham, Cundall Manor, Boroughbridge, Bradford Grammar School, Dame Allan’s, Newcastle, Craigclowan, Perth, QEGS, Wakefield, Newcastle School for Boys, Caldicott, Buckinghamshire and Rodillian, Wakefield. The Yorkshire Regiment provided an inflatable assault course for visitors to enjoy.
Tait 10s
Cup winners – QEGS Wakefield
Plate – Roddilian
Shield Winners – Sedbergh
Bowl – Mowden Hall
Player of the Day – Lance Barker, QEGS Wakefield
Clegg Festival – No winners as per RFU rules for U10
Player of the Day – Tom Moody from Cundall Manor
The Seddon Cup U10 Hockey
Winners – Barnard Castle School
Plate – St Olave’s York
Ewart Cup
Winners – St Olave’s York
Plate – RGS Newcastle
Player of the tournament – Hattie Henebury, St Olave’s