BOWDON rugby starlet Jack Ryan admits he had to pinch himself with amazement after his side won a trip to Twickenham after victory at the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup.

Launched during the 2008-09 season, the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup is the first national grassroots tournament officiated by Premiership Rugby and run in conjunction with all 12 clubs.

And on Sunday Sale Sharks hosted the first event of the new season, as the top local under-11s and under-12s mini rugby teams met at Manchester Rugby Club.

In total over 7,000 children will participate over the course of the campaign as they go in search of a spot in the ‘Parade of Champions’ during half-time of the Aviva Premiership Grand Final.

And after a draw in the final against Warrington saw both teams share the cup and earn a trip to Twickenham for next year's Premiership Rugby final, Ryan says it's a dream come true.

“We have done amazing to get so far and do so well,” said the Altrincham Grammar School pupil.

“We played well all day and it's so exciting to know that we have the chance to go and watch the Premiership final.

“We played some really good teams and all the team have enjoyed the day and it's something that I think we will remember forever.”

Bowdon weren't the only local side in action with Altrincham also taking to the field and they performed well throughout but could 't book a spot in the final.

Sale Sharks were out in force to support the day, with four of their players – including Danny Cipriani and Mark Easter casting an eye over proceedings.

And Cipriani insists it was amazing to see the game alive and well and says he saw plenty of potential in the young guns.

“It's nice to see the kids because it's what it is all about really and when I was younger you didn't really see too many senior players around so this is an honour,” he said.

“It was always an inspirational thing for me every Sunday to meet up with my mates playing rugby and that's what got me into it.

“A lot of the England team are northern and there is a big influence on the game up here and it's amazing to see so many kids out here today.”

n Land Rover is a proud supporter of grassroots rugby and a partner of the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup for nearly a decade. Land Rover’s ‘We Deal In Real’ campaign aims to champion grassroots rugby on the global stage during Rugby World Cup 2015. Follow @Land RoverRugby #WeDealInReal