LAUNCESTON Rugby Club held two matches at Polson Bridge over the festive period.

On Saturday, December 22, a team constituting a mixture of first and second teamers took on a mixture of seconds and guests, which included ex-All Black Ben Stansfield and four players who attend Ivybridge Community College.

In the end, it was the firsts and seconds, which included the likes of Reuben Edwards and Glenn Coles who ran out 20-15 winners.

However the main aim of the day was to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK.

Club legend Crispin Earle, who is battling the disease, said: “One reason for holding the game on the 22nd was in support of the raffle in aid of prostrate cancer. The main prize were two tickets kindly supplied by Virgin Hot Air Balloons, who use the club as one of their take off points for the area. Other prizes were generously given by Maunders, David Parish Menswear, Lifton Strawberry Fields, Cornish Cheese, plus individual gifts from club members. Items from Rocks Locks and Ant Black were more specific so were kindly auctioned by David Robinson of Stags and proceeds added to the fund. In all, the raffle along with donations has raised over £1,400.

“Congratulations to Glyn Hutchings, one of the coaches of the Cornish All Blacks, who won the main prize. He is looking forward to his balloon ride but gather his wife is not too sure!”

“Also helping the appeal has been the sale of the players calendar which, with generous donations, has currently brought in over £3,500. Copies of the calendar are still available at the club, also at Maunders and Rocks Locks. All the funds will go towards fighting this terrible disease of prostrate cancer.

“The rugby club thanks its players, supporters and the people of Launceston for their generous support in this appeal. Cancer kills — so lets kill cancer.”

Boxing Day also saw the annual club match take place, which this year was played with the Under 21s taking on the Over 21s.

The ‘Overs’ team had ex-club members from past years and the ‘Unders’ with second team and colts players.

While the ‘Overs’ were still full from all the festive foods, the ‘Unders’ took full advantage by playing a fast and exciting game that the Overs found hard to match as the score ended 40-21.

Both teams showed great spirit with some brilliant team tries being scored with plenty of laughs in between aswell as sharing a half-time shot of port to warm their bellies.

A big thank you was expressed to everyone who played and especially to the crowd that braved the cold.

This Saturday sees three teams at home in their first matches since the Christmas break.

The Cornish All Blacks will look to warm-up for the potential title decider at Okehampton next Saturday when they take on mid-table North Petherton (2.30pm) in Tribute South West One (West).

The seconds are scheduled to welcome Saltash in the Tribute Duchy League while the Colts entertain Penzance.

Kick-off times for both matches are yet to be confirmed.