Just got back from the Festival at Hopwood Hall and it was a smash hit with everyone concerned especially the kids who played their sock off against each other! There was 32 teams with 9 a side and three substitutes making over 400 youngsters. To see all the teams with their various strips made a wonderful sight and showed that Rugby League is making a comeback in a big way in schools with several of the lads showing skills above their ages. Some have already been signed up by SL clubs!

The young referees who officiated did a sterling job and were a credit to their chosen path (unlike one or two of their senior counterparts) on top of this there were two young lady officials who didn't flinch from making decisions. Asking one of them how you would address a female ref, would it be 'Sir' or what, it appears 'Maam' will be the preferred handle!

Paul Sculthorpe was on hand to present the winners with their trophies and medals and was in demand with the kids to have their photos taken with the GB skipper! Darren Rodgers and his co-organisers did a great job with everything going like clockwork and deserve the thanks given at the presentation. The Navy was on hand with a mobile climbing wall, bomb disposal unit (along with the bomb robot which was seen taking a note and cold drink to someone on the touchline at one stage), inflatable soccer target nets and information trailer for the Navy and Royal Marines. Also sandwiches, baked potatoes and drinks were provided by the Navy chef on duty!

It was said that if funding is to be made available the Festival of Rugby will be repeated again next year? Let's hope so because this is where the future of our sport lies!

Well done to all concerned.

Paul Sculthorpe told us that he will get Danny to come along with him when he does a presentation to the youngsters again at our televised Dewsbury game! It will be good to see the brothers back at Spotland again!