Skipton Rugby stalwart Harry Crabtree joined in the chorus of criticism launched at the Rugby Football Union after the recent annual presentation of the Thwaites Northern Leagues awards was blighted by a fairly serious shortcoming - the absence of trophies.

Last season the plaques arrived by motorcycle courier shortly before they were handed out. This time, they never appeared at either function at Morley and Preston, leaving clubs, officials and sponsors enraged.

"We were pleased to be at the Morley function as joint champions, but we were very disappointed that the RFU couldn't get its act together," says Crabtree: "If the professionals at Twickenham can't handle a simple task, they should delegate to the Northern officials and let them get on with it. Coming so close to the experience we had with our appeal, which took months when it should have been days, it hints at the RFU either being disorganised or not caring about grass roots Rugby. Either way, it's no way to improve the game's image."

Thwaites director Paul Winter was even more blunt. He said: "It's time the people at Twickenham woke up and understood what is going on in the game. We have players and officials travelling long distances to be presented with winners' plaques and where are they? No-body even knew who was supposed to be doing the job. As a sponsor, you are left with the impression that the senior people at Twickenham don't give a hoot."

Mr Winter's frustration was echoed by local administrator 'Legs' Bentley, who said: "After 13 years of administering the leagues, this episode has been the most frustrating. People simply cannot credit such inefficiency from so-called professional people. To treat our sponsors, who have put over £500,000 into our game and are still generous supporters, in such a way is unforgivable."

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