Redditch RFC

Redditch finished their season in fine style when they took on "The Flaming Unicorns" in aid of the "Tough Enough To Care" charity which supports men's mental health.

The day started with 2nd team Skipper Loran Abbotts fining everyone that moved, or didn't, and the jug of money started to grow from an early hour.

For the non players, 11:00am was probably too early to start drinking, but, in the name of charity, it had to be done.

Redditch were boosted by a number of players from other clubs who had formed part of Loran's Travelling Circus as he roamed the North Midlands in search of games.

Prior to kick off it was realised that a clash of colours was evident, so a quick change to the Exiles kit averted problems. But, in the Exiles kit, the Exiles song was required, and proceedings started with a massive Hokey Cokey as both teams joined in.

The match was played with great spirit and no little skill as Redditch gradually got on top and ran the bigger Unicorns around the park, running out comfortable winners.

The bar-b-que was in full swing after the match and more fund raising was done along the way, including a pre-match auction of some unused Exiles shirts from yesteryear.

The princely sum of £2733.85 was raised on the day. Greatest thanks must go to Loran Abbotts for his organisation and manning the fines bucket. Without his massive effort the day would not have gone ahead. And James Shotbolt manned the bar-b-que all afternoon, producing an amazing array of edible delights, as well as producing worthy raffle prizes. And lastly to Club Chairman Brian Carr for organising the Exiles shirt raffle.

The teams line up for the photo call.

This was not the first fundraising effort for charity this season at Redditch RFC.

Clubs throughout the midlands and beyond dug deep to raise money for Redditch Player Ash Mooney who was seriously injured early in the season. We cannot thank those clubs enough and are delighted to report that Ash is exceeding all medical expectations and making steady progress towards recovery.

And at the start of the season we raised money for the Doddie Weir Foundation contributing to the North Midland's Centenary Year Charity.

Club Chairman Brian Carr and Honorary Secretary Steve (Skippy) Hindson with North Midlands Past President Judith Phelps and that cheque which was the proceeds of the North Midlands' clubs' fundraising efforts.