The growing popularity of Rugby League London was highlighted at Staines RFC where more than 2,000 people were involved in the 2009 London Junior Rugby League Grand Finals day.

Over 200 games were played involving 40 teams and 1,100 players from under-12s to under-18s who were watched by a 1,000-strong crowd. The winning teams in each age group will parade around The Stoop on Saturday afternoon during the engage Super League match between Harlequins RL and St Helens.

The results from the Junior League Grand Finals were as follows:

U12s: Richmond Warriors 42-18 Croydon Hurricanes
U13s: Elmbridge Eagles  38-10 Feltham Falcons
U14s: Elmbridge Eagles  40-4  Greenwich Admirals
U16s: West London Sharks 22-18 Elmbridge Eagles
U18s: South London Academy 46-26 Greenwich Admirals

The strength of the regional league structure looks set for yet another year of growth in 2010.

Andrew Gilvary, Regional Development Officer for London and the South, said: (quote) With more players, volunteers, coaches and rugby league community members than ever before, the future of the game looks set again to progress in 2010. With the success of this year’s competition, the Stoop looks set to stage this well-supported event. Junior Rugby League in London and the South continues to grow as the popularity of the sport becomes firmly embedded in our region. The Grand Finals were a superb example of how a community can come together to celebrate a sport such as Rugby League in a positive and competitive manner. The region would like to thank all community members involved in the 2009 London Junior League and look forward to an exciting 2010. (end quote)

The Grand Final winners will be taking the plaudits at the awards ceremony prior to the engage Super League clash between Harlequins RL vs. St Helens.