Last weekend saw the return of Masters Rugby League, where three Regional Clubs Festivals raised the curtains on a new season with some great Rugby League action on show, whilst also raising money for a number of chosen charities.
Festivals across three regions took place: Cumbria, Yorkshire and North-West, with the Royal Navy hosting the fourth festival in Portsmouth this weekend.
Wigan St Judes hosted last weekend’s North-West festival, with nine men’s teams across fourteen different clubs all taking part. Women’s Masters RL was also on display in Wigan, with Leigh Miners and Blackpool Belles involved in a fantastic season opener.
The North-West festival’s charity of choice was the Rugby League Benevolent Fund, where the surplus of £90 was donated.
Across the Pennines, Castleford played host to the Yorkshire festival – it was the biggest ever Regional Masters Clubs Festival played in the county, with over 270 players across 18 teams. East Leeds played their first ever games of Masters RL, whilst newcomers to the festival Doncaster Toll Bar were named Team of the Day.
An outstanding £510 figure was raised for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, after a memorable day of Masters Rugby League.
It was another successful Regional Masters Clubs Festival up in Cumbria, too. Barrow, Carlisle and Arlecdon all took to the field, where over 50 players participated throughout the day – Arlecdon made a special contribution of £150 to The Henderson Suite at West Cumberland Hospital, on top of the £48 Festival surplus.
The three Regional Clubs Festivals along with what’s to come in Portsmouth this weekend and their success, would suggest we’re set for an exciting year of Masters Rugby League – the 500+ players from last weekend alone is a number that will only increase as the events’ popularity grows, thanks to the dedication of all involved.
On Festival days, so many people pull together for a really enjoyable day - some great Rugby League action, all for great causes, is always a certainty. If you’re interested in getting involved, head to the Masters RL website here, or contact info@mastersrugbyleague.org.uk.
