DAYS of rugby league gone by were evoked by the next generation as the sport took over Cavendish Park in festival fashion.

The Barrow Island venue, home of Marsh Hornets and Barrow Island FC, was awash with colour and activity over a weekend of football and RL.

The junior rugby league festival saw 10 teams compete across three age groups, with youngsters taking the chance to play their part in the festivities.

Rob McAloone, of organisers Barrow Island Community Sports Trust – and Marsh Hornets – was pleased with how the event went, and said: “It was the first festival we have run and it went quite well.

“Everyone who took part got a medal and the kids all enjoyed picking them up.

“There were very competitive games and we have had a lot of feedback from parents and coaches saying they really enjoyed it and that it was nice to see a local gala being run for under-12s. Usually they have to travel away if they want to play in any galas.”

All the players in the festival received medals sponsored by Maritime Apartments, while the under-12s competition saw Barrow Island emerge victorious and take the trophy.

The football festival a day earlier involved more than 20 teams over three age groups, with host club Barrow Island among those represented.

Alongside the RL and football matches, there was a bouncy castle, sumo suits and a rodeo bull to keep players and spectators entertained, with the hope the event will become an annual fixture.

Barrow Island Community Sports Trust are optimistic they will have new changing facilities complete on Cavendish Park by that point and hope their second gala will mark their official opening.

McAloone added: “We were unable to have as many age groups as we wanted this year due to holidays, but we’re hoping to introduce more next year.

“If everything goes well, we’re hoping to open the new changing rooms and community facilities next year. Hopefully the building work will be complete and we will hold the gala to mark the opening.”

Both Marsh Hornets and Barrow Island FC are on the look out for new players for their junior sides.

Anyone interested in playing rugby league for the Hornets sides – who operate in the Barrow Youth League at under-sevens through under-12s levels – can contact Rob McAloone on 07814766318 or email robertmcaloone@hotmail.com for more details.

Barrow Island FC junior secretary Steve Bailey can be contacted on 01229 836864 for more information on joining their set-up.