MORE than 500 budding rugby stars competed in the annual Berkshire Schools Under 12 Rugby Festival at Reading Blue Coat School.

There were 39 teams from in excesss of 30 local schools, with refereeing duties taken on by Blue Coast staff and 1st XV players.

Although the festival no longer has an overall winner, the top four schools at the end of the tournament were Desborough As, Ranelagh As, Claires Court As and Bohunt As.

The hosts, Blue Coat, fielded three teams and the school’s A team remained unbeaten throughout the day.

But a 0-0 draw in their first game against a very competitive Highdown meant they just missed out on a spot in the top four.

Blue Coat player Lucas Dance said: “It was an awesome day playing against so many different schools.”

Tournament organiser, Blue Coat’s director of sport, Bill Voice, added: “Without winners, the organisation of the festival is so much easier.”

Maiden Erlegh PE Department commented on Twitter: “This is a fantastic annual event.”