Five hundred Central youngsters ran hard and scored hundreds of tries in a day-long rippa rugby tournament yesterday (Monday May 22). 

Twelve schools from across Central took part and teams travelled to Alexandra's Molyneux Park for the first round kicking off at 9.30am.

Organiser and The Terrace School teacher Mike Dalgliesh said he was thrilled the frosty start didn't hang around for long. 

“It’s come out an absolute beauty.”

Mike, who has been behind the scenes for eight years, and in charge on his own for the last four, said many people in the community helped bring the day together. 

He thanked parents, team managers, coaches, the TTS parent teacher association and the Dunstan High students who refereed the games.

“I cap it at 55 teams and I’ve been doing it a while, but each year there is still the last minute things that crop up.”

TTS year four girls Pippa, Ashleigh, and Maddie with organiser Mike (Mr D) 

Teams came from Alexandra Primary, Clyde School, Cromwell College, Cromwell Primary Goldfields Primary, St Gerards, St Johns, The Terrace School, Maniototo Area School, Millers Flat, Omakau School, Poolburn School, and Roxburgh Area School.

Each team played about four games over the course of the morning and the semi finals and final rounds were played from 1.30pm. 

Dunstan High students Orry and Dean (14) refereed games and said the kids “were really speedy”

Students told the Central App it was a great game to play and they were enjoying learning new skills of ripping, passing and side stepping. 

Rippa is a safe easy to play version of rugby, without tackling or any physical contact and tries are worth five points. 

Cromwell Primary year three and four team 

To prevent a try being scored the defenders must rip the flag from the belt of the ball carrier. This forces the ball carrier to pass the ball. Six rips against the attacking team in one set of possession results in the ball being turned over to the other team.

Seven players are on the field for each team at a time, and there needs to be a minimum of three girls in each team. There is no kicking and like normal rugby the ball needs to be passed in a backwards direction.

St John's year five and six team refuel after a game

Dunstan High School student referees gave up their day to marshall, manage and encourage the youngsters on the pitch.

There was a delicious looking canteen with bake sale items and hot barbecue food on offer thanks to TTS PTA.

The winning year five and six, and year seven and eight teams from the Dunstan zone tournament will face winners from Wakatipu and Upper Clutha zones in Queenstown for the overall Central Otago rippa rugby title on Thursday, June 1.

Handshakes after the final whistle between Alexandra Primary School and Omakau school

Winners were; St Gerards Stags, Cromwell Primary Molyneux (year three and four first and second); Cromwell Primary Nevis, Goldfields Primary Sprinters (year five and six first and second); St Gerards Taniwha, Cromwell College Raiders (year seven and eight first and second).

PHOTOS: The Central App