THE "underdogs" upset the odds to emerge victorious at a rugby tournament.

A total of 200 pupils from 20 schools from across Redbridge took part in the knock-out "tag rugby" tournament at Eton Manor Rugby Club in Nutter Lane, Wanstead, yesterday (May 24).

The non-contact form of the sport does not involve tackling, with players required to grab a piece of material worn by all players to force the opposition into a pass.

The winning school was Oakdale Junior School in Oakdale Road, South Woodford, which unexpectedly beat Churchfields Junior School in Churchfields, South Woodford, 6-5 in the final.

Alex Wilson, sports leader from Oakdale Junior School, said: "I'm incredibly proud of the Oakdale rugby team.

"They have come close before in tournaments and also been a little unfortunate on occasions.

"They fully deserved this victory."

Nye Simms, 11, said: "We still cannot believe we won, it is amazing and we finally beat Our Lady of Lourdes".

Our Lady of Lourdes in Chestnut Drive, Wanstead, won the plate competition, which is a tournament for the runner's up.

PE teacher Dan Whitcombe, said: "The children had a fantastic time and we'd like to thank Tom Winkworth and those at Eton Manor Rugby Club for their hard work and effort to make this competition happen."

Organised for the second time by Christchurch Primary School in Wellesley Road, Ilford, teacher Tom Winkworth said the aim of the tournament was to encourage more children to play rugby and get active.

"It took a lot of organising and we had some very hot children on the day, but it was worth it. All of the children seemed to have a fantastic time," he said.

"It was good to see an underdog school come through and win it."

The competition was open to every school in Redbridge and schools could enter teams of seven children from years 5 and 6 into the team, with at least three girls or boys on the team.

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