Jim Dixon, Basingstoke RFC's community development officer, fills us in on the latest news from the rugby club.

IT was action aplenty down at the club on Monday.

The William Webb Ellis Cup was in town and we were lucky enough to have it at the club in the afternoon.

The day started off with a tag festival incorporating players from a range of clubs throughout Hampshire, including Andover, Basingstoke, Overton and Southampton.

The aim of the tournament was to strengthen relationships between the various clubs, and provide spectators who may not be involved in rugby with the opportunity to see what skills are involved in the game - and, more importantly, how much fun can be had!

Players from all teams displayed outstanding skills and pace which culminated in a number of tries being scored.

Andover Barbarians eventually won the festival, once again beating Basingstoke in the final by the narrowest of margins.

The afternoon saw around 500 people converge on the club to have their photo taken with the world cup.

After a tough few months at the club it was great to see so many smiles around the place.

It is encouraging to see the RFU taking the cup to the people who genuinely love the game and have supported the England team through good times and bad.

There were loads of England rugby giveaways and I'm sure every kid went home with something, which is fantastic.

All the youngsters will remember the occasion for a long time to come.

A big "thank you" to a number of people for their support on the day, especially the RFU, Hampshire Rugby, Basingstoke Academy players, all the mums and dads and, most importantly, to William Webb Ellis for picking the ball up all those years ago and running with it. Cheers Bill.