LCpl Paxton
"Have It!" |
Having had 42 Survey drop out, Kingsclere RFC were desperate to get a military team to be the centre of their local fund raising day on Sunday 28 Aug 2011. Abingdon Station took up the mantle and took 20 players down for the game. Kingsclere is a small club based between Newbury and Basingstoke and their charity day was organised around the rugby with the aim to raise as much money as possible for H4H. The rugby was to be played over 4 x 20 minute quarters; the first quarter was to be the Kingsclere 1st XV with subsequent quarters being any member of the public who wished to buy a shirt, by the end of the game £600 had been raised just on the purchase of shirts. |
The game itself was played in great spirits with Kingsclere starting fast and hard and scoring a try in the first 10 minutes, Abingdon rallied and with total domination in the line out produced a classic catch and drive with No8 Eccles crashing over. 5-5 after 20 minutes. The second quarter was hampered by a torrential downpour that saw the large crowd run faster than most of the players for shelter. Both teams pressed but resolute defence prevented any further scores, half time 5 all. |
LCpl Cole
"Rising High" |
Pte Samuels
"In Full Flight"
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Abingdon’s fitness started to tell and in the third quarter they edged ahead with 2 excellent tries, one from the forwards who once again took good lineout ball and drove Kingsclere back and once again it was Eccles who rose having touched down. Kingsclere attempted a quick re-start only to find Samuels fielding the ball deep in his own 22 and then running the full length of the field only to be halted 10 metres short of the try line, excellent support from Paxton gave quick ball for Mativasi to dive over and score Abingdon’s 3rd try. The final score of the game came with Fawley showing a clean set of heels to the Kingsclere defence to score an excellent individual try, try converted. |
LCpl Fawley
"Running In The Final Try"
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Final score - Abingdon 22 – Kingsclere RFC 5
As the players shook hands after the game the sun shone bright and crowd applauded, the timing was spot on as a vintage RAF Tornado provided a fly past. It was an excellent day with around a total of £6000 raised for H4H from all donations and stalls.
Abingdon Station now prepares for Wednesday nights game, away to Witney RFC KO at 1900. |
Following the hugely successful fundraising day in Kingsclere Fieldgate centre on Sunday 28th of August 2011 in aid of the Help for Heroes charity we are pleased to announce that we have managed to raise just over £6000.
I would like to thank everyone that was involved in any way to help us to raise this much money, Thank you for your generosity with donations of items. Thank you to all that volunteered to help. All the hard work was worth it and every one of you should be very proud of this great achievement.
We have set up a fundraising page via help for heroes and this allows to add 25% gift aid on the total. You can follow or add to all the donations on www.bmycharity.com/Kingsclerefundraisingday.
The Fundraising day was really well attended with over 600 people during the ‘rainy’ day.
The Royal Logistic Corps from Abingdon turned up dressed in their uniforms just in time for the grand opening with Kingsclere’s very own Second World War hero Jim Bessing and others of the Kingsclere branch of the Royal British Legion.
A myriad of fun-packed family activities started much earlier then the grand opening. With children enjoying the ‘Incredibles’ Bouncy Castle, Penalty shoots Fire Engine and Face painting. Available to explore were also few super cars such as Ferrari Scuderia, very large American truck and one very exclusive Viper! For just a pound or 50pence a go - the money raising stated with quite a speed.
All day Barbeque begun to sizzle around 11am and with Real Ale beer tent, amazing cake store and fascinating Tombola to explore there was something for everyone.
The very much awaited Rugby game of public vs soldiers kicked off at 1pm and the game alone raised well over £150.
A Second World War Hurricane came flying pass the Rugby pitch at the end of the game, providing us with a magnificent show for a few minutes! This was all arranged with the help of some very great volunteers.
Although the heavens broke later in the afternoon this had not stopped anyone from staying by and enjoying the full list of activities. Egg and spoon race was great fun for the children as well as the adults and special thanks must go to KRFC Coach Chris Keatley who volunteered as a target for egg throwing (raising over £200!).
BBC’s TV expert Thomas Plant arrived with his family during the afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed himself on the Bouncy Castle as well talking to as many attendees as possible preparing everyone for the evening auction of Donated items. The auction thanks to Tom’s expertise helped to raise over £2000.
The Delicious Hog Roast was served during the evening whilst we were all entertained by the ever fabulous singer Gary Miles.
Thank you all again for your support
Yours with Kindest Regards,
Lucie Hobbs on behalf of the team |
