When Shipston on Stour Rugby Club in Warwickshire couldn’t get referees for two friendly and two Cup matches for young players in December, three Young Match Officials took charge to save the day.

As youngest, at 15, Ewan Caven, who is a coach with the club’s U11s as well as playing for Warwick School’s U16 A team,  looked after the U13s’ match. Cameron Collie, 17, a club  U13 coach, who captains Warwick School 1^st XV and plays when possible, for Shipston Colts, refereed the U13s.

Taking charge of the U15s match was Ed Spencer (16), who coaches the club’s U12s and plays for Chipping Campden School and Shipston Colts. Cameron was ready to cover two consecutive games, but at the last minute the son of the club’s Referees Secretary helped out when his daughter’s netball match was cancelled.

All three young officials received great feedback from home and away coaches and all enjoyed the challenge which was another step on their coaching and rugby careers.The games were played in great spirit and Shipston’s young match official training certainly paid off.

One opposing team, Old Leamingtonians sent a thank you note for Ed, saying: “He was really clear on what he expected from the boys and captains and balanced in his approach. We need more young men like Ed involved in the game.”