Son-Rise Cup Tavistock Tyres and Exhaust 6 Union Inn 4 A MATCH whose goal was to raise awareness of autism drew a large crowd to the Tavistock AFC ground. The good turnout in poor conditions saw a real battle for the Son-Rise Cup, which is now a registered Devon FA trophy. Organiser Allen Lewis said the match was ?so professional?, and he was ?thrilled? with the event. ?What a match!? he said. Match official Maurice Beckingham said it was the best charity game he had refereed. Tavistock Tyres got the better of last year?s winners, the team from the Union Inn, running out winners by six goals to four with everyone enjoying a cracking match. Danny Follet showed devotion in leading the Union champions out the day after his wedding. Wayne Smiley led a fired-up Tavi Tyres team out armed with Paul Lewis? cousin Andy Cramoyson, who played centre half. Chimanimani entertained with their dance music and Rory Gilmore sang to the crowd despite having tonsilitis. The landlord of the Union Inn, Francis Jasper, raised £1,500 in a football memorabilia auction carried out in humorous style, with a World Cup winner Nobby Stiles photo and cartoon making a healthy sum. Hayden Goulder, who is autistic and came to the event from Sussex, presented the cup and medals. The Recontre family from Essex also came to support the event with their son Freddie, who is autistic and has also been on the Son-Rise programme. ?Once again we are humbled by the support of Tavistock. We have now put this match on the map as an annual event,? Mr Lewis said. West Devon MP Geoffrey Cox was unable to attend but sent his best wishes and support for the aim to raise autism awareness. Before the match a message of support was recieved from the Autism Treatment Center of America, which runs the Son-Rise programmes in addition to those in the UK.
