Two teams shared the spoils in the final Ultimate Big Boot of 2019 at Leicester Tigers on Saturday.

Young players from Long Eaton RFC near Nottingham took on a group of friends led by Chris Bennett during half-time of Tigers’ festive fixture with Exeter Chiefs, and both teams managed a pair of catches in front of more than 21,000 supporters at Welford Road in the De Montfort University-sponsored contest.

And, in true Christmas spirit, both sides took home a £100 prize after their daring displays on the Tigers turf – even if the two teams had very different expectations from their 10 attempts.

“We’re pretty happy with how we did, and pleased to go home with £100,” said Sam, who led Long Eaton’s charge.

“Our club have done the Big Boot before quite a few times, but none of us have ever had the chance to come out here onto the pitch.

“We’ve always wanted to have a go, and we’ve had a really good time.”

Chris Bennett’s group were a little harsher in their assessment of the match-up.

“We’re extremely, extremely disappointed,” he laughed. “We were targeting all 10 catches before we came out – so we’re disappointed to only get two!

“The last time I did this, I was on my own dressed as an elf – and caught it – so it was heart-breaking to have three slip through my grasp this time.

“As well as the Big Boot, we’ve had an amazing afternoon all-round, and we’ve really enjoyed the rugby. We’ll be back.”

This season, the Ultimate Big Boot offers a £100 prize for the winner of each matchday’s head-to-head contest, with a jackpot prize for a clean sweep of 10 catches.

All participants must be aged 14 or over, and receive a Big Boot t-shirt as a souvenir. For more information on how to get involved in 2020, head to the link below.