The cream of Norfolk’s youth rugby teams came together on Sunday 5th May for the finals of the 2019 Broadland Business Park Norfolk Youth Rugby Cup and Plate competitions.

Played at a very windswept, rainy and unseasonably cold West Norfolk Rugby Club, the competition brought together the finalists in age groups under 14, under 15 and under 16, as part of Norfolk RFU’s Big Rugby Weekend.

John Langford of Norfolk RFU said: “The finals were played in great spirit by all the teams involved and it was heartening to see the excellent quality of rugby played at every level. As this competition shows, youth rugby in Norfolk is alive and well. Congratulations to all the winners and commiserations to the runners up, all of whom played incredibly well, thanks to all the teams and clubs for taking part throughout the season and thanks as ever to our sponsors at Broadland Business Park.”

Joanna Thornton, Broadland Business Park's estate manager, said: "We are delighted to be sponsoring this great youth sporting event. The finals were the highlight of the competition, with heats taking place throughout the season. Well done to all the winners and commiserations to the losers. All the games were so close run!"

At under 14 level, the cup final was won by North Walsham, who beat Wymondham 12 – 0, and the plate final was won by Swaffham who overhauled Holt 28 – 12.

For the under 15s, Wymondham beat North Walsham 24 – 14 in the cup and Diss narrowly beat West Norfolk 22 – 21 in the plate. 

The under 16 cup final was won 21 – 15 by North Walsham (pictured) against Wymondham and the plate winners were Crusaders who beat Diss 32 – 10.

The Big Rugby Weekend, which features senior finals on the Saturday and junior finals on the Sunday, is hosted at different Norfolk rugby clubs each year. With West Norfolk hosting this year and previous weekends hosted by Crusaders, Holt and Diss, the 2020 event will be held at North Walsham RFC’s Scottow ground.