Sports
Beast of the East Rugby Tournament Roars Through Through Portsmouth, 12 Transported to Hospital
The annual Beast of the East Tournament was held this Saturday, April 16, through Sunday, April 17, at Portsmouth's Glen Farm on East Main Road.
swarmed with rugby fans this weekend as players from up and down the Atlantic coast battled for the Beast of the East 2011 Collegiate Rugby Tournament Title.
For video and photos from this year's event, please visit the photo gallery at right.
Throughout the weekend, the Portsmouth Fire Department received a total of 23 emergency calls from the field, which included one person locked out of a vehicle.
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Among the 23 phone calls, 12 people were transported to local hospitals for various injuries from broken bones to head injuries. Two people refused transport and acquired other transportation to the hospital. No "life-threatening" injuries were reported.
The amount of injuries this year were far less than injuries reported in previous years.
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"We've had much busier years in the past," said Fire Chief Jeffrey P. Lynch.
Organizers of the event hired detail EMTs to be on scene throughout the event. This extra staffing didn't place a burden on the Portsmouth Fire Department, according to Lynch.
"We're not taking resources away from the town," he said. "We're not relying on town resources. They hired our regular detail firefighters."
Less than five Portsmouth police officers were also hired to work traffic detail at the event throughout the weekend.
In its 28th year of running and 13th year in Portsmouth, the event was expected to draw crowds up to 6,000. With 78 teams competing, it is known to be the largest college rugby tournament in the country and most likely the world, according to director Chris Palombo.
Cold temperatures and a blustery wind during Saturday's games resulted in many participants bundling up under blankets, scarves and hats.
A large line was seen Saturday at lunchtime as many attendants waited for to warm up with hot chocolate, coffee or New England clam chowder. Vendors selling sweatshirts also saw a long line of eager consumers.
Sponsors for the year include McGrath’s Clambakes and Rugby Imports.
A total of 78 games were played this past weekend at Glen Farm. Among the school teams to compete were Roger Williams University, Salve Regina University, University of Rhode Island, UMass Amherst, Boston University, Providence College, Yale and Princeton.
To see results from this weekend's tournament or for more information about the event, click here.
