Masters Rugby League celebrated their biggest event of the year on Saturday (September 9) when over 400 players and volunteers descended upon Stanley Park in Blackpool for another fantastic National Festival.
Blackpool Masters legend, Paul Ogden, organised the event which saw 36 fixtures played across six pitches and there were plenty of smiles all day long – even during the unexpected downpour of rain before the first games of the day.
Paul proudly presented the match ball to pitch one to officially kick the Men’s tournament off with England and St Helens Captain, Jodie Cunningham, doing the same for the Women’s.
There are no winners or losers in Masters with each game ending in a 0-0 draw, but at the end of the event participants gathered at Blackpool Cricket Club to celebrate the day and present a handful of awards. Sharon Johnson of Leigh Miners won Female Master of the Day with Medway’s Kevin Ward winning the accolade in the Male category.
Leyland were crowned Team of the Day for entering three squads which competed across the Men’s and Women’s categories and Paul was presented with a very special Moment of the Day trophy for all of his hard work delivering the event. Allan Dunham was crowned Referee of the Day.
Blackpool Masters Chair, Paul Ogden, says:
“The National Festival never disappoints, there was some fantastic Rugby League played on the day in true Masters spirit and everybody had a brilliant time. It was great for teams from across the country to get together for a well-earned beverage post-match at Blackpool Cricket Club.
“I’d like to say a huge thanks to all of the players and volunteers who helped organise the event – we can’t wait to do it all again next year!”
To find your nearest Masters Rugby League club, please contact Bradley.Kelk@rfl.co.uk or visit the website.
