In pictures: Windsor RFC's 26th minis rugby tournament

The club's youth chairman, Drew Youds, said the event was one of the biggest for young players in the south of England.

The competition featured about 1,500 players in age groups from under sevens to under 12s.

"It went extremely well in terms of how happy everybody was and it was massively helped by the weather," he said.

"It really was ideal conditions for rugby."

Tough tackling teams were cheered on by a huge crowd of around 3,000 parents and rugby fans, but the home sides were unable to emerge victorious despite coming within a whisker of glory.

The under 12s team, coached by New Zealand rugby legend Zinzan Brooke, did not concede a try on their way to the final, but suffered an agonising defeat at the hands of Richmond

"We were delighted with the under 12s because we've made some changes with the team," said Drew.

"They really took the challenge on and earned their stripes."

The Windsor under sevens team also reached the final in their first tournament, but they were beaten by Rosslyn Park.