Hackney RFC raises funds for Lesotho Rugby Academy at the Matt Elliott Cup

A bit thank you to Hackney RFC for selecting the Lesotho Rugby Academy as their charity partner at their annual Matt Elliott Cup. The day commemorates one of Hackney’s players who sadly lost is life whilst hiking in Scotland’s Highlands.

Shaun Rooke, Hackney President, reports.

Hackney's traditional end of season rugby festival took place on the 11th of May, a special edition of a special day. The competition is hosted to coincide with the anniversary of Hackney at Twickenham. In 2009 Hackney won the Club together competition for what they'd achieved on and off the field in the previous years. The prize was to play at Twickenham as the curtain raiser before the Premiership final, in our side that day was Matt Elliot and that was the last time he would play with us after his unfortunate death that summer. The cup was born as celebration and remembrance of Matt's life and we were again joined by the Elliott family, it was was great to see them at Spring Hill again.

Saturday's tournament raised approximately £1700, thanks to all that helped. This will go towards our continued support of the Lesotho Rugby Academy, a cause close to our heart which was founded by our own Dan Aylward-Mills. They do fantastic work in one of the poorest countries in the world by educating Children on a healthy and responsible lifestyle through the fun, teamwork and discipline of Rugby. 

Again the tournament was a great example of flair fun rugby which was in line with the tradition built over the previous 9 editions. London Japanese came away victors but were pushed hard by Hackney II who were the winners of the Hackney derby. It was fantastic to see so many "more mature" faces on the field in our Vets team and the Ladies alumni side, the Vets team led by Rob Baker giving a great account of themselves on route to collecting the wooden spoon. The hit of day was a close run affair with Arran Ferguson son on father tackle tying Justine Despins' try saver on 10 year old Ella Whitlock. Also a big thanks to Finsbury Park for their contributions to the day and congrats on winning the boat race prior to their final game.

See the pictures here: https://www.instagram.com/p/BxaBBygAiQ_/?utm_source=ig_twitter_share&igshid=ld370mxworwo