Jon Ball 7s 2008
Sunday 4th May saw the return of the much awaited Jon Ball 7s Rugby Tournament. Much awaited from the Girls’ perspective at least considering it’s the one and only day of the year when the ratio of men to women somewhat evens out.
Jon Ball is in its 15th year and brings together teams from all over the South West; Universities, Social Clubs, Old boys etc. But it’s not just about the rugby (or the beer) – it’s about raising money for a good cause – Epilepsy Action.
The day kicked off bright and early, well, not so much bright as for the first time in its 15 year history the weather was well and truly against us. With the BBQ fired up and the bar ready for business the first match kicked off and the heavens opened.
A total of 12 teams entered this year – numbers were down from previous years but that didn’t reflect on the enthusiasm or calibre of the players and a good day was still had by all.
By midday the tournament was well under way, burgers were flying off the BBQ thanks to the Netball girls and the beer was flowing freely – as always we have to thank Di, Tim and Andy for their help in keeping the crowds lagered up!!!
St. Johns Ambulance Links were on hand but we are happy to report that there were no major injuries – a few bloody mouths and busted noses were the highlight of the day.
With the afternoon moving on we saw the two Plate and Shield semi-finals centre stage on Pitch 1. In the Plate competition we saw a well fought battle between F.A Badgers (12) and Sils Eagles (7), and Rolle Rats (5) vs Newport (19). In the Shield it was W.C Caveliers (32) vs AECC (10) and Sils A (29) vs Unknown Quantity (7). This meant for two great finals between Newport (10) and F.A Badgers (28) in the Plate and Sils A (12) and West Country Cavalliers (22) in the Shield.
The Plate final was an excellent match with 90% of the F.A. Badgers being Spa Old Boys they had the side lines packed with screaming supporters. F.A Badgers came out on top to a resounding chorus of “we love you Badgers, we do.”
The Shield was one by the West Country Cavalliers in an equally entertaining match.
Prize giving was a quick affair as everyone was gagging to get their glad rags on and get into the Union for the after party.
Silhillians put in an excellent effort in the dressing up stakes as one of their members had incorporated his Stag Do into the weekend. We saw everything from a really shoddy caterpillar to everyone’s favourite sweet treat – a giant Ginger Bread Man!!!
All in all – a great day had by all (except Serena cos she lost her camera!!!) and our thanks go out to everyone who helped pull it all together – you know who you are!!!
Serena McGuinness (Old Girl!)
This year sees the 15th Annual Jon Ball Sevens Tournament held at Bath Spa University.
The sevens will be held on Sunday 4th May.
There will be a marquee with a bar, and a BBQ next to the fields of play. After the day's play there will be a raffle and prize giving. The evening event consists of DJs and a late bar in the Student's Union.
The cost will be £50 per team. This will cover some costs but in the main will be contributed to the Epilepsy foundation.
This annual seven's event has a growing reputation as one of the most enjoyable social rugby events in the South-West, and is this years event is set to be the biggest ever.
Download 7's invitation letter Download 7's team booking form
If you have any enquiries, please contact us at our e-mail address:
su-activities@bathspa.ac.uk
Jon Ball
Jon Ball died in 1992 as a result of his epilepsy. The next year, and every year since, his friends in the Rugby society and succeeding members have held the Jon Ball Memorial 7's Tournament in an effort to raise money for Epilepsy Action.
Jon was a student at Bath Spa University. He was quite a character, and a very popular guy, always ready with a laugh and a joke but totally devoted to many things, especially his family, Wales, rugby, teaching and his friends.
He was a great example to all of us.
Est 1993
