IN THE unique '16 at 16' National Rugby Tournament held in Lichfield over Easter, Wirral RU club's under-16 squad came away from a long, hard two-day contest as joint winners of the prestigious competition.

The lesser-known Wirral team started as underdogs in a two-league format which included such famous rugby names as Worcester, Richmond, Doncaster and Rosslyn Park.

The highlight of the event was coming from behind to beat London Irish 19-8 in the final game. The boys were truly elated over the whole event.

The team spirit is riding high and will put Wirral in fine form for their Cheshire Cup Final against Stockport next week.

Meanwhile, the finals of this year's Cheshire Cup will take place at Wirral Rugby Club this coming Sunday.

Sides from across the county will be represented at ages 13 through to 19 with two Wirral teams included at 16 and 17-year-old levels. Kick-off for the first match will be at 10.30am and the action will continue throughout the day.

Full catering and bar facilities are available and all spectators will be made welcome.

Wirral's first XV team completed their final league fixture last Saturday with a fine win over Wigan. The score was 37-10, and this leaves Wirral finishing fifth in the league table standings.