WHILE the eyes of the world were on a Forester playing rugby in a sevens tournament on the other side of the world on Sunday, around 200 keen fans focussed on an event much nearer to home.

Drybrook’s Natasha ‘Mo’ Hunt was playing with considerable skill for Great Britain in the Sevens tournament in Rio putting in fine performances against Brazil, Canada and Fiji.

But back to earth at Lydney’s Regentsholme ground her home clubmates were brushing off the cobwebs in the annual pre-season sevens tournament organised by The Forest of Dean Combination.

Described by Lydney secretary Nick Nelmes as “quite a success”, the tournament featured teams from Cinderford, Lydney, Berry Hill, Ross, Newent, Drybrook and Bream.

Cinderford and Lydney both won all their group matches and met in the final where Cinderford ran out winners.

Mr Nelmes said the tournament had given an opportunity for all the Forest clubs to give game time to new signings.

“There were some tight games and some excellent rugby. Cinderford were the more experienced of the teams and deservedly ran out winners,” he said.