MORE than 1,000 supporters packed into Elm Park Way for a “superb” charity over-35s match between Heworth and New Earswick All Blacks.

The day, organised largely by former Heworth star Wayne Foster and New Earswick counterpart Garry Atkins, was to raise money for Brain Cancer Research and the Meningitis Research Foundation in memory of former Heworth and All Blacks club stalwarts Phil Marwood and Ady Robinson.

It also included an auction of sporting memorabilia and other fundraising events.

Heworth, with Sam Clarke, Liam Cochrane and Nikki Wilson among those to shine, won the game 30-4.

Wilson, Ian Jones, Gavin Grant, Andy Gabel, Graham Brown, Cochrane and, with the try of the game, Steve Barnard scored for the Villagers, Stuart Watson adding one conversion.

Mick Ramsden crossed for All Blacks, set up by fellow former York City Knights favourite Darren Callaghan.

Among their top performers were another Knights legend, Rich Hayes, Rich Harrison and John Leach.

Ramsden, an assistant-coach at York City Knights since hanging up his boots a decade ago, joked: “Obviously my try was the best of the day.

“It was a superb day. I thought about 1,000 came down to watch and be part of it all, but people were saying there were even more – which shows how popular amateur rugby league and rugby league in general can be in York.

“It’s real credit to the guys who organised it all. They made a real event of it in memory of people who have had a big influence on the amateur game in York – not just Phil and Ady but also the likes of Dennis Harrison, Phil Johnson and Andy Gibb.

“If you look at some of the names who played, there was some real talent on the pitch and a lot of great guys from the amateur rugby league scene in York down the years.”