TOUGH tacklers took over Clifton Park when more than 800 children descended on the home of York RUFC to take part in a massive mini rugby festival.

The Annual York Rugby Union Minis Festival attracted teams from as far away as Mold, in Wales, Maccesfield, Sheffield and Newcastle with ten teams each taking part in six age groups from Under-7s to U12s.

But it was local talent which had the upper hand as York swept to victory in the U7s, U10s and U11s competitions, while Pocklington tasted success in the U9s tournament.

Great Britain rugby league international, and Leeds Rhino skipper, Kevin Sinfield turned out to present the prizes for an event which has been running for about eight years.

The tournament helps to raise money for the Shipton Road club which is currently trying to find funds to build a new clubhouse, and has grown in popularity on each hosting.

On the pitch, York lost the U9s final 10-5 to Pocklington, but scooped the U7s trophy by beating Sheffield 10-5.

They took the U10 title with a 10-5 victory over Liverpool and beat Mold 15-0 to win the U11s event.

The U8s final was won by Sheffield who saw off Pocklington 10-5, while the U12s cup was won by Newcastle-based Percy Park who beat Mold 10-0 in the only final not to be contested by teams from either York or Pocklington.

The festival is another string in the bow for York's fantastically successful junior section, which regularly sees more than 300 youngsters at Clifton Park playing junior rugby every weekend.

Nick Elliot, who is on York RUFC's junior committee, said: "This competition has grown year on year.

"We had an extra team competing this year across the six age groups so more than 100 extra children took part this time around.

"It was a fantastic event and it was great to see so many York youngsters who may cross through the first XV. Kevin Sinfield presented the prizes and everyone had a great day."

There will more challenges for York's U9s, U10s, U11s and U12s outfits.

They are in Nottingham this weekend competing for a place at Twickenham, the home of England Rugby.

They are taking part in the Gullivers Nottingham Tournament and will be lining up against powerhouse rugby regions like Teddington and Northampton.