The 10s tournament, in its second year, was won by a Barbarians team, which was formed when an Invercargill club side pulled out late on.
But a lack of time on the training field did not hamper the Barbarians. It was a handy side and had plenty of weapons in its armoury with a combination of speed and strength.
It had the likes of Gavin Stark in the backs and Mika Mafi and Naulia Dawai in the forwards. Youngster Rory Ferguson also turned out for the Barbarians team.
The side took on the Spartans in the semifinals of the 16-team competition and was much too good.
The Spartans were made up of veteran players such as former All Blacks Carlos Spencer, Pita Alatini and Kees Meeuws, but in the end, youth won out over age.
The Barbarians went on to play Oamaru Old Boys in the final and ran out comfortable winners.
Oamaru Old Boys had played Invercargill Marist in the other semifinal.
Lemi Masoe, of Oamaru Old Boys, was named most valuable player at the tournament.
An Otago Boys' High School side beat Taieri in the second division final.
Organiser Shane Waldron was thrilled with how the day went.
The day had been set up to boost a fund for injured rugby players. Though the final total had yet to be finalised, he hoped it would at least match last year, when about $11,000 was raised.
Spencer signed his Spartans jersey and it had been auctioned off, fetching more than $1000. A rugby ball signed by Sir Colin Meads was also a popular item.
Waldron hoped to bring the tournament back next year and play it over two or perhaps three days, with more teams.
A grade for players aged 35 and above might also be introduced so the veteran teams did not have to play against younger sides.
