THE WEATHER may not have been at its best but the people of Okehampton certainly were as they came out to support the third Neal Cousins Memorial Match on Sunday at Okehampton Rugby Club, writes Alison Stephenson.
The annual match, which is held in memory of young Okehampton sportsman Neal, who died from leukaemia at the age of 23, has now raised a massive £15,000 over three years.
Last year's total of £6,000 was the largest single donation received in 1999 by the Exeter Leukaemia Fund and, with that as the benchmark, the chips were down to reach this total again. At the end of the day just over £5,500 was raised with still more money to come in.
One of the organisers, Andrew Luxton, said the event was again well supported and well attended and this strong demonstration of community spirit was something of which Okehampton could be proud.
'A lot of people put in quite a bit of work to make this happen and all the rugby and football players sell draw tickets to boost the funds,' he said.
'We always get a good response from the local businesses and the aim is to raise as much money as we can to help the Exeter Leukaemia Fund so there is a local centre available for people suffering from leukaemia.
'The committee would like to express sincere gratitude to everyone who gave to the event, bought tickets, came out to support it and helped on the day.'
The day began with Okehampton Argyle Ladies taking on the ladies of the Okehampton Rugby Club at football and beating them 5-1. This was followed by the men's rugby match.
Organisers were pleased to see MP for West Devon and Torridge John Burnett join the spectators and give his support to the event.
After the sweating was over, entertainment was provided by Chris Acton with his magic show. Landlord of the Pretoria pub Nicholas 'Doc' Holiday agreed to have his long tresses shaved off.
The Humpty Dumpty Playgroup raised £250 with their own raffle and this was followed by the auction and grand draw.
Among the lots on offer for the auction, which raised more than £1,600, were signed footballs and rugby balls from Glen Hoddle and Liam Botham respectively and a cricket bat signed by Ian Botham.
The terrific atmosphere of the day continued well into the night thanks to the 'Ultrasounds' disco.
Secretary of Okehampton Rugby Club Ted Cann praised the young people of Okehampton who were the 'prime movers' in the annual event.
He said: 'They have shown that they care for others who are maybe not as fortunate as themselves. At the same time the strong links between the football and the rugby clubs are being strengthened all the time.'
If proof was needed of how important a part sports club play in the community this was it said Mr Cann.
'They do not exist simply for people to take an active role in playing games but have far reaching social implications as has been clearly illustrated,' he said.
'Sunday's game brought people together playing competitive games but the result was of less importance than the sportsmanship displayed — exactly as Neal would have wished.'