Coopers Park was the setting for a mini covid compliant touch tournament played under England Touch Association rules. Representative teams attended from Camp Hill, Derby and Nottingham, who joined the Stafford Bull Terriers for a few rounds of touch rugby.

Stafford took to the field looking fierce in their new playing tops, courtesy of sponsor Mark Purvis Tree Surgery. All the teams ran out against each in the initial heats, to determine overall rankings. Some excellent competitive games ended with Camp Hill top of the pile winning three out of three, Stafford second winning two out of three and Derby & Nottingham both with one drawn game.

The semi-final round saw Camp Hill lining up against Derby, with Stafford having to manage a dangerous Nottingham. The semi final matches were an arduous thirty minutes of rugby which eventually propelled Stafford into the final against an unbeaten Camp Hill.

The final proved to be a fitting end to the tournament. With both Camp Hill and Stafford playing some devasting attacking rugby, neither managed to open up an appreciable winning margin. As the thirty-minute period drew to a close Stafford were just in front but a final surge by Camp Hill got the equalising try to tie the game. The sides were declared joint winners to finish off an entertaining afternoon of touch rugby.

Touch rugby is a none contact version of the rugby game which is excellent for people of all abilities, gender or age. Stafford meet on a Wednesday and new players are always welcome. The club runs four different mixed gender sessions:

• On a Monday evening, junior touch rugby for ages 10-14.
• On a Wednesday afternoon, walking touch rugby for those after a competitive game at a more sedate pace.
• On a Wednesday evening, Stafford Bull Terriers meet and undertake match training practice under England Touch Association rules.
• On a Wednesday evening, a social touch session is played under a relaxed version of the O2 touch rules which is ideal for new starters or those just wanting some additional exercise.