CLAYTON, NC – The action on the pitch was as hot as the temperature as 27 teams were vying for top honors at the 4th Annual CottonTown 7s Rugby Festival. Hosted by the Clayton Rugby Football Club, the tournament met expectations and then some as teams survived the heat to produce an amazing day of rugby at East Clayton Community Park. A total of 53 games were played, across three separate division, and on three different fields as the event was near max capacity.
“We were just about full,” said Clayton RFC President Ted Hardy. “The park was packed. It was great to see so many people out. Not just our participants that were playing in the tournament, but the fans that were there to watch and support.”
For those not able to make the tournament, Event Webcasting provided a live stream from Field 1 at the CottonTown 7s. The stream included all of the championship matches as well as all of the Cup round matches from both the Men’s and Women’s divisions. The live stream was seen by over 5000 people and the event replay is now on the Clayton RFC YouTube channel.
On the pitch the competition was heated. In the High School Boys division, the Raleigh Redhawks won their second consecutive CottonTown 7s championship with a 22-17 sudden death overtime victory over the local based Clayton Cupcakes. In the Women’s Division, the Lady Toes out of Charlotte scored twice in the last minute to snatch a 26-19 win over the defending champs Raleigh Venom. In the Men’s Division Triad from Greensboro defeated the hometown Bootleggers 40-24. The Bootleggers made their second consecutive trip to the CottonTown 7s Men’s championship only to come away as runner-up again.
The Clayton RFC would like to thank all of the sponsors that helped make the CottonTown 7s possible.
Platinum Level Tournament Sponsors: Redneck BBQ Lab, Johnston County Visitor’s Bureau, and World Rugby Shop
Silver Level Sponsors: Clayton Chiropractic and Instill Distillery
Bronze Level Sponsors: Leak Locators Services and Crystal Vroman Cornerstone Home Lending
Other sponsors: VCB Executive Car Service and Sky High Sports
“We are blessed to have so many wonderful partners involved with the event,” added Hardy. “We’ve worked hard to put CottonTown in a position where sponsors and local business can see the benefit of sponsorship. The live streaming has been a wonderful addition to provide sponsor activation. We have some great ideas on the table to increase engagement next year and hopefully draw in even more sponsors.”
With the tournament completed, so begins the planning for the 5th Annual CottonTown 7s. The Clayton RFC has a handful of ideas on the table to help create room for more teams and add to the festival-like atmosphere for the tournament. Stay tuned as details for 2020 will begin to surface after the New Year.
To catch up on the tournament action, please use the links below.
