Rugby players are renowned for their size, but the comparison to brick outhouses is particularly apt as far as Alton Rugby Club's U15 squad is concerned - they are now being supported by a Selborne-based brickmakers.

Tower Brick and Tile Company have sponsored new training tops for the squad which received their first airing Alton's recent game at Portsmouth.

The ten-strong company operates a brickworks in Honey Lane, where it has been producing the world-famous Selborne Brick for nearly 140 years.

Company owner Paddy Benham-Croswell is a regular visitor to Anstey Park, where two of his children play for Alton's Junior sides. He is greatly impressed with the rugby club's junior set-up and is delighted to be supporting the club.

"The Selborne Brick is both beautiful and strong. The U15s are a strong side and they have been playing beautiful rugby this season. It's a natural partnership," quips Tower Brick and Tile owner Paddy.

Alton's thriving youth set-up is providing a solid foundation for the club too: the club runs sides from U6 to U19, and many of the current crop of youngsters are likely to go on to play for the 1st XV and beyond.