Around 1,000 spectators enjoyed a feast of rugby at another hugely successful North Walsham sevens tournament.

The annual event, sponsored by Dardan Security, saw 27 teams take to the field throughout the day. Even though five men's and two women's sides dropped out it was still a record turnout – much to the delight of organisers.

Harwich and Dovercourt (women's), Sydney Knights (men's plate), Porky Blinders (men's) and Wymondham Badgers (touch rugby) were the winners on what was described as a great day for rugby.

Peter Treglown, one of the organisers, said: 'It was our biggest and most successful event yet. It was a brilliant day of non-stop rugby.

'There were a lot of players from Norfolk involved and some from outside of the area. We were very pleased to welcome back a lot of regular teams and welcome some new ones too.

'The quality of the action was extremely high throughout. There was some great sevens action played in an environment of good rugby.'

The tournament started at 11am and finished at about 7.30pm. Each seven-a-side game was seven minutes each way, with the final being six minutes longer in total.

The games were played concurrently on four pitches to give spectators plenty to see.

Harwich beat Lakenham Hewett 31-0 in the final to retain the George Campbell Shield and pocket £350. Hewett picked up £150 for coming second. Sydney Knights thumped Kaviti Sharks 43-0 to lift the Vikings Plate, with both sides earning the same amount as the women's finalists.

Badgers edged North Norfolk Nomads 3-2 in touch combat while the Blinders – made up of players mainly from Norfolk – beat Colchester Rugby Club-based Wise Monkeys 21-17 to win the Jill Hambling Cup and a first prize of £750. The Monkeys took home £250.

UEA and Wymondham entered a number of teams for the showcase at Scottow – which will return across the May Bank Holiday weekend in 2017 and once again be backed by Dardan Security.