With Rugby League now being played in almost every county in the country a new club, the Wessex Bears have been formed for U12s and they are hoping to introduce more age groups next season. The Bears consist of players from Andover, Basingstoke, Winchester and Trojans in Southampton.

It was a hot day for their first blooding at Rugby League and the squad were brimming with confidence and ready to take on a much more experienced opposition and beat Oxford 5-0 before losing 4-2 to Southampton.

The Southampton game was played in three ten minute periods and until the last ten minutes it was 2-2 before the Bears conceded two late tries with a player sidelined with concussion.

In truth the substitutes lent by Oxford in the last match were flagging and Southampton - a full side with several subs who have been together for a long time - were flattered to win with two late tries against tired legs around the outside.

The hard work, commitment, ability and courage of the boys was something to be proud of and bodes well for the future.