IT was all hands on deck at Alton Rugby Club for the NatWest RugbyForce Weekend.

The club were delighted to receive an award of £500 (and not for the first time) from the England Rugby & NatWest partnership which supports grassroots UK rugby clubs.

Awards are made to selected clubs after consideration by a national judging panel and are given to support the work of volunteers over the designated weekend in maintaining and developing their clubs.

Alton RFC’s big squad of member volunteers – from expert joiners to accomplished tea-makers – put the award to great use through a packed programme of work at the Anstey Park clubhouse over the two days.

Coaching co-ordinator Steve Jenkins, who organised the weekend, said: “Alton RFC is lucky enough to have over 150 amazing volunteers who do everything from coaching our under-6s to running the bar. We couldn’t be the strong community club we are without them. Their efforts last weekend were outstanding and my thanks go to everyone.”

The ‘big push’ at the clubhouse concentrated on extending the external decking, while other volunteers got down to painting and re-organising kit storage and a raft of maintenance jobs.

A programme of pitch maintenance, supported by Alton Town Council, had to be deferred because conditions were too dry.

• Anyone thinking of taking up rugby, or returning to the sport, will be welcome to attend Alton’s free Tuesday touch rugby sessions (open to all ages,12 yrs upwards, all genders). The sessions start at 7pm in Anstey Park and continue until the end of July.