HITCHIN Rugby Club s juniors have hit the jackpot with a sponorship deal for the next five years. It was annouced this week that Else Refining and Recycling Ltd will sponsor the Hedgehogs mini and junior section over the next five years. This continuing

HITCHIN Rugby Club's juniors have hit the jackpot with a sponorship deal for the next five years.

It was annouced this week that Else Refining and Recycling Ltd will sponsor the Hedgehogs' mini and junior section over the next five years.

This continuing sponsorship will bring the company's contribution to rugby in the community to £43,000 over a 10-year period.

Also, Sportsmatch, who actively promote partnerships between business and sport, are matching the company's sponsorship in the first year.

The investment will be used specifically to develop the playing and coaching skills within the club with an emphasis on specialist training, refereeing and first aid. This will directly benefit all the players in the section by helping them fulfil their playing potential.

Tim Jeffries, chairman of the Hitchin mini and youth rugby section, said: "We are very gratefulfor the support of Else Refining and Recycling plus the funding from Sportsmatch as we aim to develop the facilities to match the interest from players throughout Hitchin and the surrounding villages.

"This funding will enable us to move forward again with our rugby initiatives in the community."

Hitchin RFC mini and youth section provides rugby coaching for players from under seven to 19-years-old and has seen its membership grow 25 per cent during the past season.

Recruitment for next season has already started and interested parents should contact Mr Jeffries on 01763 287460 or email him at timjeffries2@aol.com