THE Basingstoke and Andover Police Schools Tag Rugby Festival was once again a great success.

The popular event, held over two days, was organised by police schools liaison officer Pc Roger Filbey.

Some 28 teams of eight and nine-year-olds competed on the first day and eight teams qualified for the quarter finals and pool stages. Both semi finals were closely fought affairs, with local rivals Overton beating Whitchurch 25-20 and Ashford Hill beating Emberly Park from Winchester 35-30.

The final ended 20-20 at full time and Ashford Hill's Louis Beale scored the golden try to win the school the trophy for the first time. St Martins School from Basingstoke won the fair play trophy.

The second day saw 56 teams compete in the 10 and 11 age group and the competition was tough, with only the top team from each pool qualifying for the quarter finals. In the semi finals, St John the Baptist RC Primary School beat Portway Juniors 35-15 and Whitchurch beat Woolton Hill 30-25.

St John the Baptist turned on the style in the final to beat Whitchurch 35-15.

Maple Ridge School from Basingstoke won the fair play award.