A CLEAR and cold day greeted the two teams at Upton Rugby Club as cars parked up in anticipation of an entertaining afternoon of rugby.

ENIGMATICS RFC & UPTON RFC VETERANS v Ledbury VETERANS

In total a fantastic number (nearly 60) of players turned out from both Ledbury and Upton rugby clubs. The game was to be played in quarters, allowing ample opportunity for substitution to include all players who had turned up and to allow those suffering from Christmas excess a period of rest after a short 'run-out'.

Prior to the start of the game, a one minute silence was respected by all present in the memory of Tim Attridge, founder member of the Enigmatics RFC, who sadly died in the Spring of 2003.

The 'Tim Attridge Trophy' was kindly donated by Helen and Elliot Thomas for the occasion, to be awarded to the winner of the match.

In the tradition of Enigmatics rugby, the game itself was played in the best of rugby spirit with good humour and fair gamesmanship ruling the day. The first quarter saw three tries scored by Ledbury, with two Enigmatics tries scored in reply.

Fresh players brought on for the second and third quarters saw the Enigmatics more evenly matched against their worthy opponents.

Ledbury finally sealed the match off with a couple of late tries before returning to the Upton bar for refreshment.

Final score: Ledbury 15pts, Enigmatics/Upton 12pts, according to the referee (a rather generous judgement on his part, flattering to the Enigmatics.)

Thanks go to all who organised or took part in this annual gathering for making it a such a fun afternoon and memorable occasion. Funds raised from the raffle have been donated to Tim Attridge's chosen Rugby Charity.