THERE was a good attendance at a memorial charity rugby match held at Crediton Rugby Club on Monday, December 28.

The match was held in memory of George May, a former club player, who died aged 18 years, following a road accident on the A377 near Lapford in 2006.

The game was organised by Gavin Best, George's best friend, and George's brother, Rob.

Taking part were the Old Crediton Colts 2003-2006, captained by Gavin, who had previously been coached by Peter May, George's father.

They competed against May's Marauder's, the team in which both Peter and Rob played.

Before the start, a minutes silence was observed by the players and supporters, led by the referee, Andy Smith.

The teams were playing for the George May Memorial Trophy which was donated by Gavin's parents, Karen and Mike Best.

This year, there was some fine rugby played and for the first time since the match has been played, it was the Old Crediton Colts who won the game 14-12.

Following the game, which was the fourth to have been held, Rob May presented the trophy to Gavin Best, to great applause.

Proceeds from a collection, an auction, raffle and the food were this year divided between chosen charities, Whizz-Kidz and The Brain and Spine Foundation, and a new charity, Help For Heroes.

Whizz-Kidz is a charity that is all about giving disabled children the chance to lead a more independent life by providing them with customised mobility equipment.

The charity makes an immediate and life-changing difference to the children's lives and those of their family.

The Brain and Spine Foundation helps people affected by a wide spectrum of brain and spine conditions, whilst also helping medical and educational professionals dealing with the effects of brain and spine conditions and helping fund new research.

Help for Heroes is about providing practical, direct support for our wounded Armed Forces personnel.

Sarah May said: "We would like to extend a huge 'thank you' to all for their continued support and generosity with this event.

"We would like today to be about raising money for charity and enjoying doing this in the company of friends.

"Our deepest gratitude must be given to all those who have given their time helping out this year and every year.

"Particularly we thank Gavin and his family and Crediton Rugby Club as well as everyone who has donated items to our raffle and auction and all the players for turning up."

A total of £1,900 was raised at the match and brings the total raised over four matches to almost £20,000.

Alan Quick