Players brave rain for cause (From Evesham Journal)
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Players brave rain for cause
2:00pm Monday 15th October 2012 in News
Agricultural workers went head-to-head with an Evesham United team to raise money for charity.
CHARITY football match players braved bad weather to net £2,000 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
Growers United, a team formed by Vicarage Nurseries in Bretforton and made up of people in the Vale agricultural industry, took on an Evesham United team at the Jubilee Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Bal Padda, from Vicarage Nurseries, said they decided to raise money for the hospital because Bidford youngster Esme Clayson had been receiving treatment there for a serious illness.
He said everyone enjoyed the game despite The Robins triumphing 15-0. He said: “It was an amazing event. The weather was horrendous but we really enjoyed ourselves and I’ve now had interest from other farmers.
“The early part of the game was goalless, showing that the Growers’ team had some talent. As fitness became an issue, Evesham started to score goals, although the Growers’ keeper did save a penalty. Evesham United also had the extra advantage of a strong wind – so strong at time that the Growers’ goalie could only clear the ball a few yards.”
Just under 300 people watched the match which kicked off with an introduction by 10 people in 10 different languages. It also marked the end of the strawberry growing season.
The man of the match awards, sponsored by Asda, were presented by Evesham mayor Robert Raphael to Westlands general manager Peter Taylor for the Growers and Marcus Palmer from Evesham United.
