Richmond’s Sophie Johnson admitted tasting tag rugby gold at the Balfour Beatty London Youth Games could not have been sweeter after last year’s agonising defeat.

Johnson was once again among 15,000 athletes at the London Youth Games finals weekend at Crystal Palace as all 33 London boroughs battled it out to win the overall Jubilee Trophy.

England Sevens captain and Richmond resident Abi Chamberlain was also in attendance as Johnson and co put the ghosts of 2013 to bed, this time defeating last year’s conquerors Bexley 11-9 to win gold.

And 13-year-old Johnson insists it was just what her team deserved.

“The highlight of the day for me was when we scored the final try and all our players and supporters just screamed in delight,” she said.

“It’s a special win because we have regained our title after they beat us on golden turnovers in extra-time in last year’s final.

“I like playing tag rugby because it is not just all about one person and I enjoy being able to pass it around the team.

“I’m already getting a bit of success as I’ve been on an England talent camp and competed in the national championships this year.”

Richmond finished third in the overall standings – improving on last year’s fourth – and topped the pile in five different sports.

As well as tag rugby there were golds in regatta rowing, kayak sprint, road cycling and girls’ swimming.

l The London boroughs and Balfour Beatty invest in the London Youth Games to build stronger communities through sport.