After competing in the Caldy Sevens and the touch festival in May Orrell Anvils were invited to take part in the annual Caldy Touch tournament last week .
Orrell took two teams with the Anvils captained by Jade Aspinall and the Vagabonds captained by Sophie Padgett.
The teams were kept apart in the early mini-league section where both teams played 4 matches against a varying standard of opponents in glorious sunshine with the Anvils winning their league 4-0 and the Vagabonds winning 3-1 in theirs it meant the teams playing each other in the first semi-final.
Both teams were a mix of youth and experienced players, male and female as with all major touch tournaments two females must be on the pitch at all times.
Orrell wisely used all their subs to counteract the heat and with a sprinkling of England internationals available including Rob Byrne (61)who plays for England over 45s, Gary Povall (head coach for Orrell) plays for over 40s and his son Aaron Povall England U18s mixed team playing for The Anvils they eventually beat the Vagabonds 2-1 in over time.
The Orrell Vagabonds also had Abbie Mae Lee an U18s international and captain Sophie Padgett who was picked for England U15s mixed last season in fine form.
Of the 22 players who pulled on the black and amber 14 were 18 or under which bodes well for the future for the club with the older players using their skills to help the younger players fulfil there potential.
In the final Orrell Anvils played a team they beat 3-0 in a previous round but were 2-0 down after 3 minutes. Using their subs the kids scored 3 quick tries with great runs by Chloe Padgett and Ollie Wakefield creating gaps everywhere, in defence India Halsall and Sally Povall were outstanding, Andy Shaw and Matt Dixon used their experience to keep the pressure on their opponents with Tom Spencer and Alex Dixon running in good tries.
While the Anvils were winning the Trophy the Vagabonds were playing in the 3rd place playoff and well captained by Sophie Padgett they beat Liverpool Collegiate 3-1 with father and son pairings Richard and Charlie Wood, Mike and Ben Wilcock and Coach Kev and son Jake Hattersley showing it is a family sport.
The fun and excitement didnt stop after the final whistle! Whilst enjoying a few well deserved refreshments to celebrate ending the tournament as winners and 3rd place finishers the club was evacuated due to a woodland fire in the area and our very own Olly Wakefield ended up in the Liverpool Echo giving his account of the action.

The next Tournament Orrell look to conquer is at Birkenhead Park RUFC on August 4th.

Orrell Touch Rugby trains every Friday night at St John Rigby College 6.15 til 7.30 either turn up or call Ian Hollis 07903806438 for details