Youngsters from High Wycombe RFC played a part in creating history as they participated in this weekend’s Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup, hosted by London Irish.

Since being launched during the 2008-09 season, the nationwide grassroots rugby event has seen more than 70,000 children take part.
High Wycombe Under-11s were one of more than 30 Under-11 and Under-12 teams in attendance, and even got the chance to strut their stuff in front of a host of London Irish players, including academy star Tom Parton.

And while they missed out on the chance to attend next May’s Aviva Premiership Rugby Final, despite their displaying plenty of skill and effort, ten-year-old Ben Crinyion insisted he had loved every minute of the experience.

“I love playing rugby and playing matches with my team so I was so excited for this tournament,” said the Naphill and Walters Ash School pupil.

“The Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup is always so competitive so it’s fantastic to play in it.

“It would have been amazing to go to Twickenham because we’d have got to walk out in front of so many people.

“We were quite confident we could do well at the tournament. We’re very good at attacking with the ball.”

Teams from across the county will compete at various festivals hosted by the 12 Aviva Premiership Rugby clubs this season, with the opportunity to earn a trip to the Aviva Premiership Rugby Final on May 26, where they will meet a Land Rover rugby ambassador, join in a Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup Parade at half-time and hear which of them has won a club MVP award.

High Wycombe did at least get the chance to rub shoulders with rugby’s elite, and Parton admitted he had been impressed with what he had seen, in particular stressing the importance of grassroots rugby.

“I’ve massively enjoyed watching the rugby,” he said.

“There has been so much talent on show and it’s good to see everyone having so much fun.

“There is such a good atmosphere and it was a great event all round."