We have organised matches with Heriot's and Watson's at P3, P4, P5 and P6 age groups. All three clubs have thriving mini sections and it seemed appropriate to try and start a competition between the clubs to reflect their long-standing relationship. Therefore, we have inaugurated the 'The State of Origin Challenge'.

This is to be held once a year on the last Sunday in April at Inverleith. Two teams will be entered at each age group and there will be a Bowl, Shield and Cup final. This will ensure that each team plays in a final. We hope that this competition will become a permanent fixture over the years and that we will see many future internationalists playing in these matches.

The club rivalries between the three clubs are long and legendary. Nonetheless, it is always been characterised by sportsmanship and good humour. It is vital that the boys and girls have fun.

Stew Mel Lions is committed to providing an environment where top class rugby skills are coached from an early age. Rugby is competitive and ultimately it has to be about winning but at this age it is about developing a life long interest in the game of rugby. This is the ethos of this tournament.

Rules of Challenge

The competition is designed to ensure everybody has a chance to play in a final for a cup, shield or bowl.

The matches will be 7 minutes each way and 10 minutes for the finals. The rules are in accordance with the SRU mini rules. Two points will be awarded to a side that wins and one for a draw. Should teams have an equal number of points, the team, which has scored the most tries, will be the winner. If the league points are the same and the tries scored are equal, then the tries scored against a team will be counted. If this still fails to separate teams, the Cup convenor will toss a coin with the two captains to determine the winner.

There will be no extra time in the finals. If the final ends in a draw, both teams will be winners, holding the trophy for 6 months of the year.

The 2001 winners of each age group were as follows: