Twas the Monday before Xmas… and the cream of the county’s young players flocked to Old Albanian RFC for the inaugural Herts Xmas Festival. Over 150 young players – a combination of students back for the holiday period, colts and younger players from the senior sides - representing eight clubs turned out for some festive fun. Playing ten minute matches with no penalties, the action was fast and furious.
Old Albanians and Bishops Stortford won their pools and in a tight final Bishop’s Stortford just edged the host club to become the first club to lift the Herts Returning Students trophy. Other awards during the evening went to Joe Brouder (Old Albanians) for Best Try, Alex Brookes (Welwyn) for Best Hit, and Francis Denny (Old Albanians) for Best Player.
The festival was organised by Peter Engledow, the Herts Rugby Development Officer, who said he was pleased with the response: ‘It’s all about keeping players involved with their clubs, particularly those that move away to attend college. This gave the guys a chance to meet old friends, play a bit of rugby and have a couple of beers – what better way to start the Xmas holidays!’
John Drew, President of the Herts RFU, was on hand to award the trophies and he was in no doubt that the Festival should be a permanent fixture in the Herts rugby calendar. He said: ‘We’ve seen some quality play here tonight and I’d like to congratulate all who made tonight’s festival go so well.’ There were county selectors present and, as MC Hardwick reminded the crowd, there was plenty to play for with the U20 County Championship, U23 fixtures and the senior County Championship Shield coming up.
The clubs taking part were Barnet, Bishop’s Stortford, Cheshunt, Fullerians, Harpenden, Hertford, Old Albanians (two sides) and Welwyn. Each club got a Gillette community rugby bag containing training balls, bibs and water bottles, courtesy of Apex Multisports and the Herts Sports Partnership. Thanks to OAs for hosting the event, and to the Herts Referees’ Society, whose refs put their fitness on the line!
