Rugby Union
Boxing Day clash raises vital funds

By Jamie Arrowsmith Monday 07 January 2013 Updated: 07/01 11:31

THERE was a bumper crowd at Fenley Field on Boxing Day to see an Old Laurentians XV do battle with a team raised by Scott Whyment of The Merchants Inn in a game staged to support The Matt Hampson Foundation.

Matt was paralysed from the neck down in a scrummage accident when training for the England u20s in 2005 and has dedicated his life since to supporting and raising funds for young people seriously injured in sport.

OLs' XV consisted of a mix of first, second and third team players whilst their opponents contained some OL Exiles, some veterans returning to action and a sprinkling of Newbold players.

The game was open and surprisingly competitive with both teams clearly determined to win. OLs eventually came out on top 27-22 thanks to a late try.

A raffle was held on the day with the list of prizes supplemented by some very attractive rugby memorabilia supplied by the Foundation and, thanks to the generous support of spectators and players, over £500 was raised.

Saturday sees OLs returning to league action with a trip to fourth placed Kidderminster, on whom they will be hoping to inflict a first home defeat of the season.