Charity rugby players up the tempo

The event was staged in aid of two charities - Help for Heroes, which assists British service personnel wounded abroad and their families, and the Rugby Football Union Injured Players’ Foundation.

Only tries counted in each game, with conversions and drop goals deliberately ruled out to help keep up a pacy tempo, and five forwards instead of the usual eight packed down in the scrums.

Last year’s top four teams - Streatham and Croydon, the Tonbridge Wellingtons, Uckfield and Plumpton - were among those involved, together with a second Uckfield team, two Cinque Ports teams and newcomers Littlehampton.

Cinque Ports spokesman Bill Langley said: “The Mayor of Bexhill, Councillor Stuart Wood, blew the whistle to set the matches in motion and a total of 78 tries were scored in the 16 games which followed.

“Altogether the event raised some £500 for our two good causes.”

The on-field action was complemented by a variety of activities for all the family. Harry Hastings, the mascot of Bexhill-based broker Hastings Direct, and a bouncy castle delighted youngsters.

Several community stands, including Sussex Police, Care for Carers, and a Help For Heroes merchandise stall were also present, together with a well-patronised bar.

Tribute was paid to the events organisers, Sue and Andy Smith, the referees - Paul Smart, Marcus Davies and Sonja Davies - and all who played or helped around the ground.

Anyone interested in joining Cinque Ports RUFC can find out more by logging on to: www.cinqueportsrugby.co.uk