ROYSTON Rugby Club held its annual awards day for the junior section on Sunday at The Heath. The event began with games of touch rugby for the juniors, while their families and friends could relax and enjoy a barbecue in the sun. The ceremony followed w

ROYSTON Rugby Club held its annual awards day for the junior section on Sunday at The Heath.

The event began with games of touch rugby for the juniors, while their families and friends could relax and enjoy a barbecue in the sun.

The ceremony followed with medals for all junior players from under-seven through to under-15 and awards for most improved player, clubman of the year and player of the year for each age group, presented by senior first XV team captain, Steve Clay.

The day was rounded off with a juniors versus adults touch rugby game. This annual fun match commonly sees children playing against their parents, and the numbers involved spiralled again this year.

Club chairman Lloyd Mullenger said: "We are fortunate to have a strong junior section and awards day is one of the most important days for the club as it gives us the opportunity to celebrate the commitment shown by the juniors throughout the season.

"We have coaches for all junior age groups with children as young as five through to the under-17 squad turning out for training on Sunday mornings throughout the rugby season. These children represent the future of the club - so we had a great deal to celebrate on Sunday".

Royston have had a remarkably successful season considering the relatively small size of the club; teams have scored significant wins against much bigger local clubs such as Shelford and Hertford.

The club is looking to further strengthen the squad of players at all ages by a recruitment drive and a increased investment and commit-ment to coaching and training.

"Royston is an ambitious club and we are looking to make significant strides in growing the club over coming seasons" said Mullenger.

"We are fortunate to have members and parents who are prepared to put a great deal of time into the club and I would like to thank them for this and for their continued support in the coming season".

Touch rugby for adult and youth players takes place on Tuesday nights at 7pm throughout the summer, and the club welcomes new players. Those interested should contact Lloyd Mullenger on 01763 246900.

The following players won awards: under-seven - Ben Sams, Ashley Jones, Lyle Clark; under-eight: Cameron Bonfield, Gus Rees, Ben Ireland; under-nine: Charlie Duke, Jack Norcross, Sam Copeland; Oliver Bass, Freddie Finlayson; under-10: Michael Holden, Ryan Headington, Fred Quinney, under-11: Freddie Parrot, Dylan Walters, Phillip Shipsey; under-12: Adam Richardson, Louis Rawlings, Alastair Wilson; under-13: Adam Shield, Ben Jackson, Harry Norman; under-14: Gareth Siney, Liam Boardman, Jamie Cohen; under-15: Patrick McGarry, Mark Richardson, Aidan Towner. Addenbrookes Trophy: Lawrie Quinney.