Tag rugby has a touch of class

6:38pm Thursday 29th May 2008

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BLACKBURN Rugby Club helped the game break new ground when it hosted the Rugby Union's social inclusion programme.

A record 28 teams - including sides from across East Lancashire - competed in the Wooden Spoon sponsored Tag Rugby Tournament for children and young people who suffer from Moderate and Severe Learning Difficulties.

Oswaldtwistle schools Broadfield and White Ash, Tor View from Haslingden and Pendle Community High School all took part in the event which was the biggest ever staged in the North West.

"This is the fifth year we've been running the tournament and the popularity grows each year," said RFU development officer Stuart Urquhart. "Thanks to the original efforts of John Dewhurst, then chairman of the Wooden Spoon charity in Lancashire, and now his successor Graham Read, we've had continued valuable support from Spoon' and this year the RFU have also backed the event."

This year's winners in the SLD Tournament were Melland High School and the MLD Tournament was won by Ashley School.

The tournament was attended by over 350 players, teachers, referees and spectators.

Lancashire president, David Herriman, presented medals to all the SLD players, with president elect, Ken Andrews and past President John Dewhurst who presented the medals to the players taking part in the MLD tournament.