HUNDREDS of young athletes from around the country made new friends and a host of fond memories after descending on a North school for a festival of sport.
Under 10 and 12 boys and girls from around the region were joined by sides from Scotland and the South of England in a two-day spectacle of rugby and hockey hosted by Barnard Castle School.
U10 girls vied for honours and the Seddon Cup, named after a former teacher, while the U12s battled it out for the Ewart Cup, presented to the school by a former senior school headmaster.
U10 rugby teams took part in the Clegg Trophy, named after ex-pupil Rory Clegg, a former flyhalf with the Newcastle Falcons, Harlequins and Yorkshire Carnegie, currently playing with Championship side Ealing Trailfinders.
The U12s competed in the Tait 10s, named after former pupils Mathew and Alex Tait, who have also enjoyed successful professional sporting careers in the game.
Around 350 young players from Yarm, Durham, Northumberland, Terrington, Darlington, Newcastle, Wakefield, York, Sedbergh, Hull, Perth and Buckinghamshire, battled sunshine and heavy downpours as the festival unfolded.
The County Durham Referees’ Society supported the event and some of the 30 Barnard Castle School students who have recently undergone referee training were able to test out their new-found skills.
Accolades were presented by ex-England scrum-half Lee Dickson who has recently returned to his old school to be the new Master in Charge of Rugby at Barney.
Headmaster Tony Jackson said: “Events like these are the reason we play sport. We win together, we lose together, we collaborate, we communicate. We continue to play when the going gets tough and we are gracious with our opponents when we win and lose. Through it all we make friendships and memories that will last forever.”
The event took place ahead of the forthcoming Barnard Castle Preparatory, Senior School and Sixth Form open day on October 5, from 9.30am to 11.30am. For more information contact admissions@barneyschool.org.uk or phone (01833) 696030.