Alton U9s fell agonisingly short of repeating last year's victory in London Irish's prestigious Llanera Cup – but they put in a terrific performance to finish second in the competition.

It was a fabulous day of rugby when Alton competed with teams such as Farnham and others from Wiltshire and East Sussex.

They won four games but a narrow defeat at the hands Heathfield Hurricanes, and a draw with Swanage & Wareham, denied them a clean sweep.

Alton scored eleven and conceded only two tries in all matches to finish as worthy runners-up to the eventual winners, the Hurricanes.

Afterwards, the squad enjoyed a trip to the Madejski Stadium for the medal presentation, and they also met some of the players before watching London Irish beat Newport Gwent Dragons 41-24. Alton were also invited take part in the day's action when they participated in a half-time lap of honour in front of a large Heineken Cup crowd.

The Alton U9 squad were: Tom Bartram, Alexander Jenkins, Cameron Newton, Cameron Hamer, Katya Witney, James Mear, Daniel May, Jonathan Becker Davies, Oscar Mosley, Alec Hudson, Harry Manning, James Tombling.

(With thanks to Debbie Jenkins and Andy Gay)