It was the turn of the older age groups to compete in the Etihad Airways Curtain Raiser Cup semi finals prior to Harlequin match against Sale Sharks on Sunday 22nd March.
With the sun shinning down on the Stoop, there were some fierce battles in every age group to gain one of the coveted spots at the Grand Final held on Saturday 25th April ahead of Harlequins v Newcastle, and with some excellent rugby skills on show from the youngsters we saw a number of clubs go through including newcomers this season Haywards Heath RFC and Winchester RFC. It was another successful trip over for Belfast Harlequins who fought their way through a tight qualifying group to grab a finalist spot.
Battersea Ironsides RFC were also successful in the under 10's and under 12's groups, and Battersea Ironsides U12'S coach, Dominic Tate commented afterwards "I have been asked by my Coaches to give you their thanks for running such a good day yesterday. Everything ran like clockwork. Our boys went home so happy after the Sale game."
Also an extra special mention to Rosslyn Park RFC mini section, who have managed to get a through a team in every age group bar the U12s.
To find a list of all other finalist please see below.
This seasons Grand Finals will be the toughest we've ever seen and it is a real achievement to have made it this far.
U10
1st placed in each group will contest the Grand Final. The winning team will be the Grand Champions; the losing team will be the Runners Up.
Group 1 - Round Robin Format
1. Battersea Ironsides RFC
2. Rosslyn Park RFC
3. Sutton & Epsom RFC
Group 2 - Round Robin Format
1. Teddington RFC
2. Haywards Heath RFC
3. Upminster RFC
U11
1st placed in each group will contest the Grand Final. The winning team will be the Grand Champions, the losing team will be the Runners Up.
Group 1 - Round Robin Format
1. Rosslyn Park RFC
2. Havant RFC
3. Kings RFC
Group 2 - Round Robin Format
1. Effingham & Leatherhead RFC
2. Belfast Harlequins RFC
3. Dorking RFC
U12
1st placed in each group will contest the Grand Final. The winning team will be the Grand Champions, the losing team will be the Runners Up.
Group 1 - Round Robin Format
1. Battersea Ironsides RFC
2. Winchester RFC
3. Westcliff RFC
Group 2 - Round Robin Format
1. Upminster RFC
2. Reeds RFC
3. Haywards Heath RFC
If you were a lucky team to qualify, ticket orders for this event need to be with Community Development Manager, Ben Thurlow by Thursday 9th April.