Two promising young players from Oxford RFC helped the South West to victory in the England Under 18 Group Divisional Festival at Castlecroft, near Wolverhampton over the New Year holiday.

Charlie MacKinnon, from Challow, and Hugh Bevan, from Bladon, both came up through the mini-rugby and junior sections at the Southern Bypass Ground to give a big boost to the Oxford club, who have struggled over recent years.

MacKinnon, a student at Kings Alfred's Sports and Community College, Wantage, came on after 40 minutes at No 8 in the first game when South West beat London and South East 26-18.

Bevan, who attends Bartholomew School at Eynsham, made his bow at fly half after 51 minutes when South West beat the Midlands 21-13 in the final.

Both players acquited themselves well in the exalted company of players from such clubs as Bath, Bristol, Saracens and NEC Harlequins.

However, neither Oxford player was selected for the England training squad for the under 18 match against France at Bondoufle on February 28, and the Four Nations Festival in Belfast in April.

Oxford Colts, without the services of MacKinnon and Bevan, beat Old Redingensians 24-10 in the Berks, Bucks and Oxfordshire Colts League to stay top.

Chipping Norton RFC are holding a 'come and try it day' for new or old players at their Greystones ground on Sunday (10.15am).

The club run the age groups from under six right up to senior levels. Enquiries to 01608 641182.