OXFORDSHIRE'S rugby referees have voted Chipping Norton as the club they most like to visit.

The Max Seymour Shield, for the best organised and most hospitable club, was awarded at the referees' annual dinner on Friday.

Chippy, who become the first club to win the award three times, beat Grove into second place. Witney were third.

In making the award, Oxfordshire referees' president Alan Davies said, "We are always looked after well at Chippy. Their organisation is good and it's a friendly, family atmosphere. We wish them well with their plans to expand the club."

Chipping Norton chairman Tony Cripps received the award, saying: "Referees play such an important and difficult part in rugby. It's only right that we treat them properly and with respect."

Nearly 100 people were at the dinner to hear guest speakers, Tony Pickering, president of the Oxfordshire RFU and Gwyndaf Evans of Oxford University RFC. A raffle raised £220, to be used to finance the refereeing of youth rugby in the county.

Those interested in refereeing can attend the society's next meeting, at Oxford RFC on March 17 (8).

Story date: Wednesday 03 March

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