Monsoon Rugby Champions

Sunday the 10th of August saw the annual Future Hope Monsoons 7’s take place at the Police Bodyguard Lines in Kolkata. Over 300 young players, from 30 teams, contested Cup Plate and Shield competitions in both Under 16 and Under 13 age groups. Participant teams from as far as field as Manipur and Orrissa added an extra edge to the tournament by providing healthy competition to the more established teams in Bengal rugby. Thankfully the tournament did not live up to its billing of ‘Monsoon’ rugby, as clear blue shies prevailed throughout the day.

The U13 Cup winners were the much fancied Manipur, who saw off the challenge of the Jungle Crows in the final. Future Hope Leopards won the U13 Shield, while the Ashalayam Pirate Ants rounded off a successful day for them, taking home the Bowl.

The Future Hope Leopards won the U16 Bowl competition getting the better of the Hooglie Hammer Heads. The final of the  U16 Shield was contested between Kiss and St James A. Despite a valiant effort, St James were pipped at the post by an energetic KISS team, for whom this was their first taste of competitive rugby.  

In the showpiece event of the tournament Future Hope Quins squared up against the Ashalayam Pirate Ants in the U16 Cup final. The occasion was not lost on the two teams, who provided a fine spectacle of expansive running rugby for the large crowd.  The match was a fine finale for the Future Hope Monsoon 7’s, with perhaps fittingly, the Quins just edging out the Pirate Ants to take the title.

ll in all a great day was had by all who took part and those who were just there to enjoy the rugby on show. Credit should go out to all the players who managed to provide a feast of rugby and prove further that there is plenty of talent coming through the ranks in Eastern India. Thanks must also go the sponsors Fly Emirates for their contribution to the day.