Nailsea & Backwell’s junior squads both claimed wins in the Bristol Bears Defender Premiership Rugby Cup recently.

The 24 under-11s players were split into two teams, and played sides from Clifton, Clevedon, St Brendans, Dings, Old Bristolians, Gordano, Yatton, Imperial, Chew Valley, Frampton Cotterell, Broad Plain, and Cleve.

“The matches at the Defender tournament were the under-11s’ first games of the season," coach Jon Shorney said. All the players played exceptionally, taking into the games the work carried out in training. More importantly though, they absolutely loved it.”

The under-12s 18-strong squad, coached by Tony Hill, Dickie Palmer, Becky Chivers, Dan Miles and Jak Larter, played Gordano, Broad Plain, Yate Harlequins, North Bristol, Imperial, Hornets and St Brendans. 

The Ravens won three, drew three and lost one and scored eight tries.

“The tournament was run brilliantly by the Bristol Bear Community Foundation and the players all really enjoyed it, working together brilliantly with fantastic support and encouragement from parents," Hill said.

"The under-12s all played really well and worked hard on their handling and rucking which improved throughout the day.  The whole team were outstanding, with a special mention to Casper and Will."

The under-11s won tickets to and see the Premiership Final in Twickenham, while the under-12s were voted joint winners with Yate Harlequins, losing out on tickets after a name out of the hat vote.