LEIGH RU Minis & Juniors held their 25th annual dinner on Sunday.

In the last quarter-of-a-century this section has developed steadily, now boasting some 200 players.

Many of their players have won county status including Richard Joshi (U15s), David Wood, Phil Watkins, Peter Ince and Denis Bates (U16s) plus Chris Matthews (U15s), who has represented Manchester Schools.

Guest of Honour at the dinner was Lancashire president Alan Kershaw. Also there were many who helped set up the section in 1973: Keith Macklin, Ian McMenemy, Mick Cain, Alan Marsh and Jimmy Cheetham.

Unfortunately, Tom Richardson didn't make it back from America in time.

Club colours were awarded to Alex Marrow, Matthew Baker, Jonathan Morgan, Stuart Pirrie, Philip Gwilliam, Paul Morgan, Michael Taylor, James Leake, Chris Wingfield, Neil Hunt, Chris Matthews, Denis Bate and Phil Watkins.

A special silver plate was awarded to George Beardsmore, who organised the dinner and is now stepping down after many years of invaluable service.

TYLDESLEY RU hosted an Inter-Schools Tournament.

And it drew high praise from guest of honour Dave Southern, youth development officer for Lancashire RFU.

In the Year 6 group nothing could separate joint winners Shakerley and St George's with Hindsford CE A worthy runners-up and just ahead of their B team.

Bedford High won the Year 7 event, beating Fred Longworth High 40-19 in a game of power, pace and skill (MoM Jonathan Swift).

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.