International Visually Impaired Rugby tournament at Sutton and Epsom RFC
England emerged winners the Visually Impaired Rugby Alex Bassan Cup, beating Japan 10-0 (two tries to zero) in the final as the tournament’s players braved strong winds and driving rain in the hospitable surroundings of Sutton & Epsom RFC.
The first match saw England held to a 5-5 draw by the talented and hard-working Old Wesley Red side, who were one of two representing the Irish club.
The Reds bowed out in the semi-final , despite holding the visiting Japanese to a 10-10 draw. The tie was decided on the scorer of the first try. England overcame Old Wesley Green more comfortably in the other semi.
The keenly fought final was expertly refereed by The Change Foundation’s Dan Lineker who kept order and a free-flowing game in hazardous conditions.
The host club has TCF Chair of Ambassadors Will Taborn as part of its playing staff and received warm praise from Japan Blind Rugby Union director Takashi Kikutani, who was one of the team’s enthusiastic fans, seated alongside a Rising Sun banner.
“The whole event has been great and it is a pleasure for our players and supporters to be part of it,” he said. “I hope it is the start of something special for our sport.”
In the end though, it was England captain Jack Pearce who held aloft the Alex Bassan Cup – paying a tribute to his talented and competitive group of players as he did so.
Results:
England 5 5 Old Wesley Red
Japan 20 5 Old Wesley Green
Old Wesley Red 35 5 Old Wesley Green
Japan 10 5 Old Wesley Red
England 35 0 Old Wesley Green
Old Wesley Red 10 10 Japan (winners on first try rule)
England 10 0 Japan (Final)
