RED Rockets stormed to success on the sand at the London Beach Rugby festival, winning the plate competition.

The squad of 10 – which contained a number of talented south east Essex-based youngsters – were in fine form at Finsbury Park on Friday.

And Rockets’ director of rugby Jack Kershaw was thrilled to get his hands on more silverware.

“Winning the plate was a big achievement for a young group who had never played beach rugby before,” said Kershaw.

Echo:

On the ball - Jake Spivey

“Most of the team had never played together before either and it was a fantastic day with a lot of supporters there.”

The five-a-side event – which was put on to raise money for the London Air Ambulance charity – saw a car park turned into a sand-filled square containing two rugby pitches.

Large crowds turned up to support the event – including legends of the sport Serge Betsen and Martin Offiah – to see the South Woodham Ferrers-based Rockets win their last three matches.

Rockets saw off BNP Paridas 6-1 in a one-side final.

And Kershaw was full of praise for the performance.

“A couple of players really stood out for us and the surprise of the day was Oli Trigg,” said Kershaw.

Echo:

In fine form - Oli Trigg

“He’s a rangy back row from Woodham and showed great hands on the day to score some great tries.

“It was a real fun day and the seventh trophy of the summer for RED, which for our first season is great.”

Rockets improved throughout the competition to pick up their prize.

And Trigg - who Kershaw selected as RED’s player of the tournament - was pleased to help the team triumph in the tiring conditions.

“My legs were really worn out as playing on sand is really hard but it was great fun, especially as we did so well,” said the South Woodham Ferrers-based Trigg.

Echo:

Passing it on - George Griffiths

“It was my first time playing beach rugby and even though it was the touch format of the game it was a great day.”

And another of RED’s star men - George Griffiths - was also delighted to help Rockets see off their plate rivals.

“I thought it was an amazing day and it was great to see such a good turn out from the public,” said Griffiths, who plays his club rugby for Southend.

“The support was amazing but the rugby was difficult with some really good teams there.

“It was good playing a different type of rugby and it was an enjoyable fun day out with some really good competition.

Griffiths was joined by fellow Seevic College students Jake Spivey, Norbetas Radzevicius and Matt Dobson in the squad.

And coach Tony Woods felt the success again showed off the county’s strength in depth.

Echo:

Bouncing back - Norbetas Radzevicius

“As the coach of Essex Rugby it was great to see so many young talented rugby players from the area,” said Woods. “It also shows Essex rugby has a great future.”

Rockets will now look to build on the success at the FRN sevens in Staines on Saturday.

For sponsorship opportunities for the event and next season contact on 01245 334000.