Twelve sides line up in Robbie's memory

ASHLEY Down Old Boys stage their annual pre-season tournament at their Bonnington Walk ground on Saturday (noon) in memory of Robbie Johnson.

The club legend died of injuries sustained after being in collision with a car in Filton Avenue 13 years ago, aged 44.

The tournament, which was inaugurated in 1993, was the idea of fellow club member Ashley Williams. In the early days, a barrel of beer was the prize for the victors, but following Johnson's death, the club decided that teams would compete for the Robbie Johnson Memorial Cup.

Twelve teams have confirmed their entry and been drawn into four groups of three. All games are ten minutes each way except the final, which is 15 minutes each half. Spectator admission is by match-day programme, with all proceeds from that and car parking going to the charity RoadPeace.

Pool A: Avonmouth, Painswick, St Bernadette's.

Pool B: North Bristol, Southmead, St Brendan's.

Pool C: Keynsham, Whitehall, Cotham Park.

Pool D: Barton Hill, Dings Knights and Ashley Down.

Bristol Ladies will mark the move to their new home, the Portway Rugby Development Centre in Sea Mills, by holding a community launch day on Saturday (noon).

Bristol, who became the first women's club in the country to have their own facilities following their relocation from Dings Crusaders' ground in Lockleaze, have arranged games against Worcester Ladies, Cardiff Quins Ladies and Hampstead Ladies (1.30 pm kick-off).

There will be a display from the Avon Fire & Rescue Service, as well as demonstrations by mounted police and in the use of sniffer dogs. A hog roast, bouncy castle, barbecue, face-painting, party games, live music and raffle have also been organised.

Bristol Barbarians are holding a Cider Festival and Family Fun Day at their Norton Lane ground in Whitchurch on Saturday (noon). There will be an exhibition match in the afternoon, followed by an 80s disco and live music.

St Mary's Old Boys have appointed former Bristol captain Pete Polledri as their Under-18s coach.

Saints have entered the Gloucestershire Under-18s league to help players make the transition between junior and senior rugby.

Other fixtures: Dings Crusaders v Birmingham, Weston-super-Mare v Clevedon, Cleve v Beaconsfield, Kingswood v Cleve 2nds, 3rds and 4ths.