ALTON Rugby Club were one of only six across the country to receive a NatWest RugbyForce Award and the icing on the cake was a visit last weekend from Ugo Monye, the former Harlequins, England and British and Ireland Lions player.

Ugo was – like Jonny Wilkinson – a pupil at Lord Wandsworth College and recalled his time at school ‘just down the road’ when he also played for Hampshire. He was greatly impressed at ‘the great work being done at Alton RFC and the effect that NatWest RugbyForce has had at the club.’

The ex-international ran coaching sessions for the Alton youngsters in warm sunshine. And with a live-streamed broadcast via the RFU website and a busy barbecue, it was a memorable day all round for the club.

Nigel Youell, Alton RFC’s NatWest RugbyForce co-ordinator, said: “It was an honour to have Ugo with us to celebrate our award and to help out with coaching. Our juniors were absolutely thrilled at the opportunity to get some great rugby coaching from a former Lion.”

With the support of NatWest RugbyForce, Alton Town Council and the club sponsors, Alton Club have been improving Anstey Park for the benefit for the whole community.

The award money was used to supply materials and equipment to create more than 200 drainage holes in the most waterlogged areas of the ground. This followed specialist advice from Twickenham’s head greenkeeper, Keith Kent, this also being funded by the award.

• Alton RFC are holding a Community Day at the Anstey Park clubhouse this Saturday from mid-day. This is again part-funded by NatWest RugbyForce and the many activities will provide an excellent opportunity for anyone interested to find out more about the club. Everyone is welcome.

Further details on this and other Alton RFC events can be found at: www. altonrfc.club