Croydon snatch bronze and best dressed award at Bec World Cup

Croydon took a mixed ability team upto Isleworth on Saturday, 2nd August to compete in the annual Bec tournament. This year the tournament was based on the forthcoming Rugby World Cup and Croydon competed as minnows Japan. The team was a mix of experience with youth: Ivan Aquino, Nigel Hudspith, Dan Pratt and Andy Withers for the boys; Sarah George, Helen Mansfield, Becky Pratt and gobby Mandy Furlano for the girls.

The Japanese were put into a tough "Lomu" pool and got off to a slow start against a scratch Canada team, eventually drawing 4 all. From then on the games were well fought but Japan won the rest of the pool games, finishing top the Lomu pool with 10 points. A bye to the Semi-final was reward for winning the group but, in truth, Japan were outplayed in the Semi by a well-oiled Samoan side.

Japan were relegated to a 3rd/4th play-off against a strong USA team. Despite a late switch in players (with Sarah George replaced by possible new recruit Suzanne), Japan stormed to an easy win to claim the bronze medal. The final was contested by France (aka North Downs) and Samoa. As in the semi final, Samoa were organised and had competent players in every position, this enabled them to work on France's weaknesses and eventually they were comfortable winners in a high quality final.


Great fun was had by all in the blazing sun, and the Japanese team were thrilled to be honoured with the best dressed team award, thanks to their face paints, karate belts and sloganed bandannas.







Report by: Andy


Attendees & responses

No one has responded to this event yet.