RUGBY players swarmed to the coast to take part in the 13th annual beach competition organised by Clacton Rugby Club.

The event was conceived in 2005 and was again played on the sands of the Martello Beach.

After a week of inclement weather, the elements decided to behave themselves on the day and the Sunshine Coast lived up to its name.

Twenty-eight teams - two more than last year - took part over five pitches, with Colchester, Harwich and Dovercourt, Maldon, Barnet Elizabethans and Burnham-on-Crouch Rugby Clubs providing their enthusiastic and much-appreciated support.

All this, coupled with a sprinkling of sides from the home club itself, made for an excellent mix.

As is now customary, the team members were a complete assortment, with youngsters of both sexes mixing with older mums and dads.

Several have now kitted themselves out in various costumes, with the Burnham Ballet Beasts looking particularly impressive in their tutus.

With several players and supporters coming back year after year, most have become used to the format of the day.

Each team plays at least four games against random opponents before they are then split into mini-groups of four.

This ensures everyone has at least a fifth game – effectively a semi-final – and possibly a sixth game – a final.

However, the main object is to have some fun involving a rugby ball and the beach and the competition winners are almost incidental.

Play got underway around just after noon lst Saturday and saw 56 group games that continued throughout the afternoon before everyone had a short break.

There was then a series of 21 semi-finals and finals with play concluding around 4.30pm.

Teams then made their way to Clacton Rugby Club for the presentation of the trophies.