Henley youngsters show off their skills at popular festival

ALMOST 1,000 youngsters took part in Henley Rugby Club’s annual mini rugby festival at Dry Leas.

Players between the ages of six and 12 from 80 clubs including Abbey, Bracknell, Drifters, High Wycombe, Marlow, Oxford Quins and Reading Rams competed in the 175 matches.

Hosts Henley had teams entered in every age group with four sides competing in each of the U7s, U8s and U9s, three in the U10s and two each in the U11s and U12s.

Speaking after the successful day, Henley’s head of mini rugby, Rick Oakley, said: “Our festival is going from strength to strength and ‘Henley’ is an unmissable event on the annual mini rugby calendar.

“Credit for this success has to go to our volunteers who organise the entire day and consider every tiny detail, from co-ordinating parking for more than 500 cars, to scheduling paramedic cover and ensuring the event is as safe as possible.

“We’re also lucky to have the support of many local businesses and schools who advertise in our festival programme or provide help on the day.

“Our mini rugby festival is a full club effort and special thanks goes to the members of our first who helped run our barbecue — although I think some of them ate more sausages than they served.”