TRAFFORD’S The Rascals are continuing to make their mark on the rugby world, putting on an impressive performance at a tournament over the bank holiday.

The rugby 7s team have returned home from Salcombe RFC, after competing in an Easter 7s Tournament last weekend.

They went up against teams from all over the country, including those from National 1 - two leagues below the premiership.

The Salcombe tournament was the start of the team’s six-week pre-season and saw the squad, including new players from clubs including Sale FC and Altrincham Kersal, come together.

Messenger Newspapers:

The Rascals rugby 7s team recorded their first competition results of 2017 during the Easter weekend

In 2016, The Rascals were beaten in the final of this competition by a team called the King Prawns, who had players who are now playing on the HSBC International 7's circuit for Jamaica.

A year on and the team were determined to beat the King Prawns – and they fulfilled that goal.

After comfortably winning the first three group games, scoring over 100 points, the team qualified for the cup semi-final, where they faced The King Prawns.

They won 21- 14.

In the final, they went up against Salcombe Barbarians, made up of National 1 rugby players, but narrowly missed out on a win, with a 21-19 final score to the Barbarians.

Coach Stuart and Hale Fitness owner Lindsay said: "I was proud to coach the Rascals for their first tournament this season. We would have loved to have won but still have plenty to build on as the lads have great individual talent.

"The most important step now is to build some continuity with their training and fitness and the rest will fall into place. Our next tournament is the first RFU qualifier at Caldy 7s on the May 20, closely followed by the team’s first appearance on the European circuit with the Amsterdam 7s.”