EASTER Sunday saw the annual sevens competitions at Penryn RFC with the usual unfamiliar team names, together with the old faithful such as Dad's Army, Dogg Pound 1 and 2 and Bann's Farm Bears.

The School of Mines entered a team and London Cornish were also part of the proceedings. Newcomers included Much More Fun, Celtic Barbarians and Piran Pearls. This year marks the 21st season that the Borough have staged the event, which has become very popular over this period.

It was a warm spring day with no wind, almost perfect for a "7's"competition, but perhaps a little warm for some of the players.

Eighteen teams had entered and paid their entry fee, but as the time of the first kick offs approached only 14 had signed in. Officials, faced with a minor problem, appealed to players not involved with any team and two further teams confirmed a 16 team competition, with each team guaranteed at least three games.

Praise must go to one or two players who came forward; at least one referee was welcomed in to a team. Well done Al Denham, and he stated afterwards that it was easier to referee than play, John Seviour, father of the Seviour brothers, also lent a helping hand, whilst one or two of the Dad's Army squad looked rather youthful. But they all said that they enjoyed the day, which is, of course, the main objective.

In the four pools, the winners were Celstic Barbarians, Piran Pearls, Cornish Jacks and Bann's Farm Bears. The Bears appeared delighted, exhausted and surprised at their success and appealed for their semi to be played on the smallest pitch to give them a little breathing space. They were beaten in that semi and played the Plate Final against Cornish Jacks who lost to Celtic Barbarians in the other semi.

An exciting final saw the Barbarians run out as convincing winners over Piran Pearls, after which Martin Doney, Penryn chairman, presented Prizes, donated by sponsors St Austell Brewery.

At the end of a fabulous day the club's thanks go out to all of those people who contributed in any way to its success; to the organisers, to the members who marked and prepared the pitches, to the bar, BBQ and kitchen helpers, and to the players.

Particular thanks must go to the team of seven referees who so successfully controlled each game, and the members of "The Tuesday Gang" who gave up Easter Monday morning to clear rubbish from the fields.

The "Sevens" are sponsored by St Austell Brewery, who once more kindly donated the prizes.