European joy for Shrewsbury Rugby Club

The club were awarded the Spirit of Rugby title after competing at the Milan Rugby Festival.

Shrewsbury entered teams in both the men's sevens and veterans tournaments, taking on sides from Italy, Spain and France.

The club's veterans team won five and lost just two of their eight games. Their approach was recognised with the prestigious Spirit of Rugby accolade.

The Vets tournament in Milan does not recognise a winner other than by awarding this title for the team with the most friendly and positive approach.

Shrewsbury's tour president Angus McKerracher said: "It was a huge honour for Shrewsbury Rugby Club to receive this recognition on the stage in front of the other 100 participating teams."

After an early exit in the sevens, the veterans' tournament took place over three days and saw Shrewsbury's resources stretched to the limit given the punishing climate and hectic schedule.

Eight fixtures were played – with five of them won – despite early injuries disrupting Shrewsbury as they opened the tournament with a draw against home team, Coyotes.

The second fixture brought a victory against local Italian side B:Old with Chris Child and scrum-half Mark Stone touching down as Shrewsbury won.

A busy evening saw Shrewsbury back in action with a 10.30pm start as they produced their best performance of the day in beating Velate, another Italian team.

Shrewsbury were back on the field bright and early next morning with to defeat Italian outfit Red Dogs. The side's next outing resulted in a defeat at the hands of French team Toast Dacqui.

Shrewsbury then suffered another setback against Spanish side Chicken Rozzano. But they hit back on the final day to beat local Italian Old Lovers.

They signed off with a win against Milan Old to end the tournament with a very creditable record of five wins, a draw and two defeats.