Last updated 17:14, Thursday, 26 June 2008

PLAYING before a modest crowd of proud parents is something that most Tynedale junior rugby players are used to.

But appearing on the hallowed turf of Twickenham, in front of 82,000 baying spectators, it enough to set even the more experienced knees knocking.

But Corbridge’s Alex Deif came through the challenge with flying colours .

The 14-year-old was representing Newcastle Falcons in the final of the national O2 Kick, Pass Run Challenge coaching challenge as part of the interval entertainment during the Premiership play-off between London Wasps and Leicester Tigers.

He had qualified at a tournament at Kingston Park, and did very well to finish fourth against representatives of all the other Premiership clubs at U14-18 level..

His mum Anne said: “Producing the skills required in front of 82,000 spectators is not to be sneezed at, and to come fourth in a national competition as one of the youngest in your age group is fantastic.”

And to crown an excellent day for Alex, he also got to meet the 6ft 8in Wasps and England star lock forward Simon Shaw, with whom he is pictured outside Twickenham.