RUGBY-mad youngsters from the area flocked to Rating Lane on Sunday as Barrow Island welcomed teams across four different age groups for a festival.

The day saw sides from the host club, Walney Cents, Askam, Millom, Dalton, Ulverston, Hindpool Tigers and Roose Pioneers taking part, with some clubs entering two sides in some of the age groups.

The teams were split into under-six, under-seven, under-eight and under-ten categories, with the two lower age groups playing four-a-side matches.

The idea of this was to ensure every player got their hands on the ball during the games. The emphasis was very much on the players learning and developing the skills of the game, and enjoying the day rather than competition.

Each team played four games during the day, and were watched by a large and appreciative crowd of parents from all of the clubs taking part.