FURNESS

Rugby

   A Barrow rugby union club will get a major revamp - thanks to a junior rugby league side. Furness Rugby Union bailed out Marsh Hornets Juniors players by offering them use of its Strawberry Grounds in Croslands Park when the young­sters were struggling to find somewhere to play. And the mini-leaguers returned the favour by nominating their big brothers from the other code for a cash prize in a radio compet­ition - and Furness won.

   Now thousands of pounds will be spent on improving the Strawberry Grounds, including a new car park, drainage system and brand new equipment.

   The money is being put up by Barrow plant hire firm Haughin and Co, which sponsored Abbey FM's My Christmas Wish competition.

   Furness came to the Hornets' rescue in September, 2007 when the rugby league club - consist­ing of teams ranging from under-eights to under-12s -- was left with no facilities after being turfed out of their previous home at Cavendish Park in favour of football. With nowhere to practice or play its future was hanging in the balance, until Furness RU stepped in. Marsh Hornets secretary Janet Dodd, who entered Furness into the competition, said: "I wanted to show the people at Furness rugby how much we 'appreciated them letting us use their pitches. "They have been absolutely. excellent. I heard about the com­petition and I thought it would be a nice thing to do as it would benefit the many people who use the grounds.

   "We were delighted to hear that we'd won." Two run-down football pitches will be transformed into rugby pitches as part of the revamp, with new dug outs also in the pipeline.

   Mark Haughin, managing director of Haughin and Co, picked the Hornets as the overall winners. He said: "We were inundated. with entries, but they were all from individuals. When I saw the Hornets' entry I knew it would be helping over 40 kids and the future of Furness Rugby Union Club, investing in their future.

   "The competition was all about helping others and choosing them as winners meant we can give help to a lot of people involved with the club.

   "At the end of the day there were 40 kids who didn't have anywhere to go to play sport but thanks to the . club they do now"

Haughin and Co is currently awaiting approval for the plans.

Marsh Hornets “Thank You” and a large Donation from

Mark Haughin of Haughin & Co.