Force is best in Britain after winning national rugby title

But officers from Humberside Police have proved they are equally adept at bringing down fellow boys in blue after winning a national rugby competition.

The team from Humberside Police RUFC is now officially the best in the UK after overcoming stiff opposition in the British Police seven-a-side tournament.

The Humberside squad – featuring Dave Worrall, captain, John McCloud, Ray Todd, Paul Bucknall, Ryan Laking, Mark Bassindale, Paul Beecroft, Rich Scott and Neil Chambers – travelled to Stourbridge RFC, at Stourton Park, Stourbridge, and came back with the winner’s plate.

It is the first honours the team has won since the club was formed in 1974, and Chief Constable Tim Hollis said he was proud of their achievement.

“Given the size of forces such as the Met and Strathclyde when compared to Humberside, the success of our team is particularly impressive,” Mr Hollis said.

“I would like to send my congratulations to the whole squad and my thanks to retired DC Jim Harris for providing referee services to the tournament.

“It’s great to see the Humberside name on the plate, after just three years into the competition, and I look forward to seeing many more years of success from team Humberside.”

After storming through Pool C - where they faced West Midlands, Leicestershire and City of London – Humberside edged a close semi-final against Avon and Somerset by 21-20. They lined up against a well-fancied Strathclyde in the final, and duly dispatched the Scots by the score of 26-21.