The Army in red powered through the opposition to win the Ledbury Sevens title.

Ledbury Rugby Club had two of the best men's sevens teams in the country for their final, competing for the £5,000 main prize.

Memories of the rain and cold in 2007 were expunged from the memory as Ledbury Rugby Club hosted their third annual Sevens in the most wonderful conditions.

With three separate competitions, the seniors, ladies and Under 16's, there was non-stop action from 11am until 6pm on three pitches.

The favourites for the main competition were always the Army and Samurai, and having won the London Floodlit Sevens earlier in the week, the Army were very much in form. Likewise Maurauders who had chalked up a tournament win recently.

The host side Ledbury were in a difficult group, playing finalists Samurai in their opening game. Despite gallant tackling, the only score they were able to register was a try from Jack Wilesmith in their 45-5 defeat.

Last year's winners Wanderers crashed out of the main competition when they lost 12-29 to Maurauders, whilst the Army smashed Bromsgrove 42-0 and Oxford University 33-14. Ledbury faced Apache in their second game and were level at half-time through a great try from James Handley, but superior fitness and experience saw Apache pull ahead to win 28-7.

In the ladies' competition, Worcester with their array of international players swept Welsh Dragons aside to win the final 33-14.

In the under-16's the Bridgend were too much for Bath in their final, winning 31-0.

The final of the men's tournament was scintillating - both the Army and Samurai were determined not to concede any points, but Samurai struck first, the Army keeping in touch with a try of their own before half-time. In the second half, the Army broke clear with three further tries and at one stage were 24-7 ahead, but as the clock wound down, Samurai clawed their way back to 24-21, with the Army very relieved to hear the final whistle.

The prizes were presented by Terry Cobner of Pontypool, Wales and the British Lions, and player of the tournament Andy Howard, captain of the victorious Army team, was presented with a bottle of champagne by Brigadier Rolph James.

2:34pm Monday 12th May 2008

Apache, seen here scoring, were one of the side's which ended Ledbury's challenge.

The victorious Worcester side with their medals after winning the ladies' event.

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