ONE of Kent rugby's biggest and best end-of-season attractions, the Kentish Gazette Canterbury Seven-a-Side tournament, takes place this weekend.

Twenty teams will be battling for prizes worth £3,000 at Canterbury Rugby Club's Merton Lane North ground on Sunday. With this year's 38th annual tournament attracting sides from Kent, London and the Midlands, the city club, who have been winners of the main competition in four of the last five years, face a huge challenge to keep their title.

All the top Kent sides are taking part with National League clubs, Blackheath, Old Colfeians and Westcombe Park leading the way. Army representatives, Tigers, promise to include several of the side which won the national sevens competition at Twickenham last season.

Three newcomers to the tournament, Sharks, Skyrunners and Withem's Elves are packed with national league and recent Oxford and Cambridge blues.

Heading the East Kent challenge, alongside Canterbury, are Thanet Wanderers, Betteshanger, Whitstable , Wannabies and Canterbury Exiles. The tournament has grown so popular that latecomers such as London Welsh and London Nigerians have had to be turned way. the event starts at noon.

With a top prize of £1,000, there is plenty of incentive for everyone, thanks to sponsors the Kentish Gazette and Lea-Ray Sports of Faversham.

The good news is that club mini and junior sections are the real winners. The prize money has to be spent on kit for the up and coming youngsters of the successful clubs.

There will be a pig roast, refreshments and all day bars for the spectators.