MALVERN RFC youth development section held eighth junior presentation dinner last Friday, with 118 junior members in attendance.

Joining youngsters from the U12 to U16 squads were parents and the invited guests who included Peter Doran, chairman of Malvern RFC, Matt Richardson, 1st XV captain, Mark Tovey and Bill Clee, Gloustershire Society of Rugby Referees, and 19-year-old Stuart Clark, who made his 1st XV debut this year after graduating from the youth rugby set-up.

Gary Tolley, the chairman of youth rugby told the gathering that the youth section was expanding rapidly and the total membership of boys had exceeded 235 at the end of the current season.

Next season, the youth section will include two new squads to cater for the girls of the Malvern Angels, which will take the total number of young people playing rugby at Spring Lane close to 300.

Malvern chairman, Peter Doran confirmed in his address that the success of the club's community rugby programme had not only brought an expansion in youth rugby but also to the club as a whole. He reported that Malvern RFC were planning to extend the present club house and changing room facilities during the closed season for the senior and youth sides of the club. In addition Mr Doran confirmed that next season Malvern RFC would be fielding an under 17 league squad, an under-19 colts squad and a Malvern Angels senior side each Sunday, which would benefit from the club's real estate developments.

Awards

Junior player of the year Andrew Tighe (U15). Junior clubman of the year Ryan Tolley (U13). Youth chairman's cup Will Bowen (U16).

Youth coaches award Richard Pines (U13). Special merit award Shaun Smith (U12). Squad players of the year, Ed Harris (U12), Nick Goodrich (U13), Will Harris (U14), Chris Griffiths (U15), Phil Shore (U16). Best forwards, Tom Sandry (U12), Andy Brownhill (U13), Lee Collins (U15) and Piers Harris (U16). Best backs, Joe Schofield (U12), Ryan Watkins (U13), Matt Williams (U15) and Craig Smith (U16). Most improved players, Adam Shearman (U12), Sam Powell (U13), Ollie Rayner (U15) and Bert Davis (U16). Squad clubmen of the year, Jonathan Webber (U12), Joe Harrison (U13), Ben Shaw (U14), Matt Glading (U15) and Richard Pitt (U16).

Finally, two special awards were made. The first to Max Waters (U12), who is leaving Malvern with his family to live in East Sussex. He was presented with a club tie as a farewell present from his team mates.

The second award was a cheque for £500, presented to the Malvern RFC Youth Section by George Evans from the Malvern Round Table. The donation will be used to buy new junior rugby posts for the two mini rugby pitches on Morgans Field that the club leases from Morgan Motors Ltd.

Mr Evans said "The Round Table is very happy to support the strong community involvement promoted by Malvern Rugby Club, and particularly its youth development section which demonstrates its own brand of strong family values."