DORCHESTER Rugby Club celebrated taking part in RFU’s national ‘Pitch Up’ campaign.

The RFU’s countrywide scheme is designed for communities to support their grassroots clubs to get back to action this month.

Around 45 players split into four inter-club teams demonstrated the new format game to a good crowd of supporters who all enjoyed a day reconnecting with the rugby family.

Community clubs have now been permitted by the Department of Digital, Culture, media and Sport (DCMS) to play Ready4Rugby, an adapted non-contact game devised by the RFU to enable community clubs to function in some small way.

Ready4Rugby is an adapted form of rugby union that encourages players to go forward, support, continuity and pressure, all driven by decision making. It is still fun, it is still competitive, is suitable for all ages and will help in preparing for full-contact rugby once government guidelines permit.

Over 1,000 clubs got involved with across the country and the hope is that local clubs can now hold competitive matches of Ready4Rugby to keep players fit and hone their handling skills whilst still being able to train.

Dorchester chairman Tony Foot said: “It was great to see so many smiling faces back at the club and on the pitch.

“I would like to thank all those who turned up to play, the two referees and our great band of volunteers who helped make this happen along with our staff. We hope to be able to do the same again soon.”

A barbecue was provided by local firm and supporter Posh Pigs, with music by acclaimed duo Ansell & Gretel.

Those who attended enjoyed a fabulous afternoon in the September sunshine on what should have been the Southern Counties league opening day.