Barefoot on the beach

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Andrea Robinson throws the ball to a teammate on the Fort Jax team.

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The Fort Jax and Tamiami Goonies do a “line up” on the sidelines after the ball went out of bounds.

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Naples Hammerheads player Zack Groothouse looks for a teammate to pass the ball to as he gets tackled.

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Naples Hammerheads player Arnold Mananu tosses the ball to a teammate.

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Key West Rugby player James Duhamel makes a run for the in-goal area.

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Not getting sandy isn’t an option when you’re grappling for a ball on the beach.

Saturday marked the 16th annual Beerfoot 7’s Rugby Tournament. Twenty-one teams participated this year.

This year’s tournament switched locations and was held outside on the beach in front of Junkanoo’s.

“I think the location is better for spectators, they can enjoy Junkanoo’s and the teams can spread out,” said Tatum Walker, the event organizer.

Some teams showed up short of players, so players on other teams would jump in to fill in their numbers. It’s the spirit of the day – having a good time and playing good matches.

“Everyone gets competitive,” Walker said. “But there’s a social bracket. They’re here for a good time, see their friends. It’s their reunion for the year.”

This year, there was a prize for the top men’s and women’s team, a $500 prize.

The tournament draws teams in from all over the state.

The Key West Rugby team has been coming for almost the entire life of the tournament. Conal Badger, the team’s match secretary, said rugby is making a comeback in the Keys and they’re hoping to host their own tournament in the future.

“Who doesn’t want to play barefoot on the beach?” Badger said.