A pioneer of girls rugby in Letchworth has received a top regional award. John Birch s hard work and dedication saw him pick up Volunteer of the Year at the East Regional Rugby Football Union for Women dinner at Newmarket. Birch is team manager of the gi

A pioneer of girls' rugby in Letchworth has received a top regional award.

John Birch's hard work and dedication saw him pick up Volunteer of the Year at the East Regional Rugby Football Union for Women dinner at Newmarket.

Birch is team manager of the girls' section at Letchworth and the soon-to-be-selected county squads for under-17 and under-14 girls.

Hertfordshire picked up a remarkable four out of eight possible regional awards for women's rugby on the night.

Anna O'Flynn, who plays for the England women's rugby team, presented the winners with their trophies.

Amanda Bate, women and girls' rugby development officer for Hertfordshire, was presented with the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award.

Award for Club of the Year went to OA Saints (St Albans).

County under-17 squad coach, Clive Cramphorn (also Welwyn girls' coach), helped coach the county under-17 side to success as County Team of the Year.

Becky Ellis from OA Saints won the Players' Player Award for her fantastic efforts in this season's regional games.

If you would like to find out more about getting involved in women and girls' rugby, please contact Amanda Bate by email on a.1.bate@herts.ac.uk or visit www.sportinherts.org.uk