GREG Fisilau said Oxford Harlequins Under 12s could be proud of their efforts after finishing runners-up in the London Irish-hosted Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup.

Quins lost out by one try to host club Reading Abbey in the final of a very muddy competition on Saturday.

Abbey will now take part in the ‘Parade of Champions’ during half-time of the Aviva Premiership final at Twickenham in May.

Fisilau, 11, whose father Keni is a player-coach with Quins’ first team and a former Tongan international, relished the contest.

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“I like playing in tournaments like this because you get a chance to play different teams that you haven’t played before,” he said.

“You can also get really muddy and spend time with your teammates.

“Obviously we are disappointed to lose in the final but we gave it our best.

“We got to the final last year too because we work really well together.

“It doesn’t matter about losing, there’s no point coming if you don’t give it your best.

“My team has a good team spirit and you need that to win games.”

Chinnor under 11s were among a host of other teams taking part in the tournament and convincingly won two of their three group games.

Henry Webb, 11, said: “It was really good to learn to play as a team and play better rugby. It really brings us together.

“We’re definitely improving a lot in these kind of tournaments, getting better all over the pitch in tackling and learning where to find space.”

  • LAND Rover supports grassroots rugby and provides the opportunity for over 7,000 youngsters to take part in the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup each season. Keep up to date with the latest Land Rover rugby activity by following @LandRoverRugby on Twitter.
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