The Alton RFC U9 season kicked off on 1st September with the 'LDH' Tag Festival, a final tag tournament before their first season of contact rugby.

This squad won the London Irish League in their U8 season, and were presented with the Cup during the half time interval of London Irish's home match against Saracens. The squad now had the additional excitement of attending the London Double Header at Twickenham to see the two London clubs clash again.

In the Tag Festival the children played 6 matches over the course of the morning against strong competition. The top teams in the tournament were determined by the total number of tries scored in these matches, rather than by wins and losses. The reward for attacking play was the opportunity to play a demonstration tag match during the half time break of the Saracens v London Irish match at Twickenham! As the winners were announced the children (their coach and parents!) waited with baited breath, which turned into a huge cheer as Alton were announced as one of the top teams.

A few hours later, the anticipation built as they stood quietly in the north east corner of the ground. Then, as the half-time whistle blew, the gates opened and the Alton RFC U9 squad eagerly ran onto the 'hallowed turf' to the cheers of their parents, supporters and others to play in front of a crowd of over 60,000 at Twickenham, the home of English rugby. An incredible experience for the squad (and their coach!) that is sure to be remembered forever and a fantastic way for the Alton U9's to welcome in the new season.