The Club welcomed players, teachers and parents in their droves from Arnold, Audenshaw, Bolton, Bury Grammar, Lancaster Royal Grammar, Merchant Taylors, St Edwards College, St Marys Hall, and Stoneyhurst College Schools.

Sadly there was no school from Southport represented on Sunday, but the town was proudly represented by some of Merchants pupils who live locally including masters Byrne and Moore in the u13s, and Murphy and Topping in the u16s. The u13s narrowly lost 20-24 to Bolton School in the Plate final, but the u16s provided a glorious finish to a glorious afternoon by triumphing 16-10 in the John Dewhurst Cup final. Congratulations to all and hopefully everyone enjoyed the occasion.

Thanks also to our Lancashire representative Ian Smith for his splendid effort in coordinating the event and all the troops from within the club who manned the gates, cooked the sausages, pulled the pints, picked up the litter, marshalled the pitches, poured the coffee, you name it. Once again a magnificent club effort. But a special work of praise to the two little girls, Ellie and friend, who single handedly sold over £300 worth of Project 140 Raffle tickets. Fantastic effort, well done.