Woodbridge Rugby Club, Hatchley Barn, Bromeswell, Woodbridge
Saturday 3rd October 2009
A great day was had by some 5-600 visitors who turned out on a dry, windy Saturday to see some rugby relics tackle each other in the name of Help for Heroes.
To the strains of the Leiston Royal British Legion Band, Dick Waterson led out the teams accompanied by Alfie Mac, the charities talisman, and flanked by Woodbridge Air and Orwell Sea Cadets.
With the National Anthem over, the Blues and Reds got stuck in, with the wind playing as significant a part as the half time port.
The many watching youngsters who weren’t on the Heart FM Megaslide, bouncy castle, Gazelle Helicopter or military vehicle displays, were given an excellent demonstration that rugby is for all ages.
The teams comprised players from the Army, Navy and clubs across East Anglia and as far away as Birkenhead and New Brighton. In the end the Reds won a surprisingly energetic match 33-24 after much substitution as players left the field for liquids.
At half time, Kathryn Crossland from Ottley College presented a cheque for £450 to Roger Willson-Grey, Suffolk Coordinator for Help for Heroes, and all the stalls selling charity and club merchandise reported good business.
With this, and excellent player sponsorship, the Club is hoping to break the £10,000 mark for this worthwhile charity – something to dance about as the Suffolk School of Samba closed the day by getting everyone dancing.