NORTH East Worcestershire Ravens headed to St Helen’s to raise funds for Kaycee Bradshaw who has Battens Disease and requires specialist
enzyme replacement treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital on a regular basis in an attempt to save her sight.
The event, which saw the Ravens take on National Conference Division 1 outfit Blackbrook, raised £366 for Kaycee and her family.
Blackbrook have produced two members of the current England national team and included players who represent Great Britain Amateurs.
As the match began, Blackbrook converted three tries to take the lead 18-0 but then the referee gave Ravens a penalty to help them get back into the game.
The ball was then shopped wide into the hands of Gaz Bradshaw, Kaycee’s uncle, who was making a special appearance for Ravens, and some nifty footwork earned Ravens their first try.
Wimbury converted to make it 18-10 and then Blackbrook showed their class and ran out a number of tries to make it 38-10 at half-time.
It was agreed before the game Blackbrook would lend Ravens some players and the half-time break provided the opportunity to even up the sides.
Incentivised by Ravens’ interval refreshments, plenty of Blackbrook players put their hands up to play for the tourists.
The second half began and Ravens were immediately into their stride scoring on their first set. A free flowing game ensued with Ravens offloading at will.
Ben West, who usually plays for Telford Raiders but turned out for the Ravens, scored a brace of tries which eventually earned him the man of the match award.
Father and son duo, Josh and Lee Knight ensured the tries kept coming and, of those nine tries, seven were converted by Wimbury.
And. despite the tough task in front of them, the Ravens ran out 50-38 winners with all agreeing it was a great competitive game played in fantastic spirit and for a great cause.
In the bar after the game, the Ravens and Blackbrook players joined each other for a few drinks and some further fund-raising.
After the raffle was drawn Ravens’ director of rugby Jason Spafford presented Kaycee with a gift on behalf of Ravens and said a few words to thank Blackbrook for their hospitality and a great day.
Ravens’ chairman, John Hemingway said “It was a great weekend, which once again enhanced the club and forged further links within the rugby league community.
“A return fixture with Blackbrook at Hopwood Park is on the cards and we even had a special visit from club president Stanley Gene at the 4 Nations Final at Anfield on Sunday.”
Ravens continue their off season activity hosting a Christmas Masters Festival at Hopwood Park on December 4.
Teams from Yorkshire, Lancashire and London have already signed up.
Anyone over 35 interestted in getting into Masters Rugby League should visit www.newravensrl.co.uk for more information.
