MICK RAMSDEN made a very salient point this week when asked about the memorable over-35s charity match between Heworth and New Earswick All Blacks.

“It shows how popular, proud and important amateur rugby league and rugby league in general can be in York,” said the Knights’ assistant-coach, with estimates having put the attendance on the day at Elm Park Way well into four figures.

Absolutely it does.

The main focus, of course, was to raise lots of funds for Brain Cancer Research and the Meningitis Research Foundation in memory of former Heworth and All Blacks club stalwarts Phil Marwood and Ady Robinson, and, aided by the crowds that turned up, plus the altruism and good will of those who donated to an auction of sporting memorabilia and those who made bids, it did a damn fine job of doing just that - with the total raised still being counted.

Indeed, judging by the comments and congratulation doing the rounds in York this past week, there can’t be enough praise for those who organised the event, in particular Wayne Foster, the former Heworth first-team stalwart.

Or for the veteran players who donned the shirts and put bodies on the line to take part in what was dubbed “One Last Match” (and who, as their reward, have since felt all the old aches and pains, probably like never before).

Indeed, a quick look at the event’s Facebook page sums up those feelings.

Former Heworth - and former Knights - player Dan Briggs wrote: “What a great day. Really enjoyed it. No mates like rugby mates. Excellent couple of months getting back training together. All done in great spirit for great cause.”

John Hall wrote: “Well done to everyone involved. No doubt there were some sore heads. Wayne Foster, you deserve so much credit for making it happen.”

Kelly Horner wrote: “Massive well done to Wayne Foster and everyone else involved . You pulled it off faultlessly. Brilliant game, great atmosphere and lovely people.”

Jase Kane wrote: “A massive well done to everyone involved. I bet there are a few bodies that are sore and in pain. A great day for two great charities. You did yourselves proud lads.”

Qualified referee Gareth Evans, who gave his time to officiate the match, joked: “Well played lads... good tempo played... hard tackles... a few bad ref calls...”

Nikki Wilson, another to don the shirt, wrote: “Can’t move, body in bits... brilliant day, wouldn’t have it any other way. Well played everyone, big shout out to Wayne Foster, all the crowd and everyone that was involved to make it possible.”

Emma Ireland wrote: “God bless rugby league, you should be a proud bunch.”

Peter Inns wrote from Australia: “For all involved, I’m proud to say ‘I’m from York’. We just do this type of thing. ‘One last game’ - your bodies in pain but your heart and soul know you were part of a coming together for great people alongside great people.”

Phil Pallister, remembering in particular the men the game was in honour of, wrote: “It was so brilliant how the rugby league family in York embraced the memorial match. It was much more than raising funds for the two charities. It showed support to two families who we care for. Once again thank you all for the support shown - York and proud.”

Absolutely. The city as a whole should feel that pride too.
 

MENTIONING the players who took part, meanwhile, leads us on to another salient point Mick Ramsden made, with particular regard to York City Knights.

“Are we going to see these lads on the field together again?” he questioned, having lined up in the All Blacks team alongside fellow former York team-mates Rich Hayes, Darren Callaghan, Mark Cain, Chris Judge, Chris Hopcutt and Garry Atkins, among several others who turned out for the city’s pro club at one point or another.

Ramsden, recently inducted into the York RL Hall of Fame, joining Hayes in that esteemed register, was quick to point out the day was all about Heworth and All Blacks old boys, but when asked about the former Huntington Stadium favourites taking part, he said: “To have people Rich Hayes, Judgey, Callas and Cainy on the field at the same time – that might never happen again.”
 

OH, one last point.

Hopefully the day at Elm Park Way can serve as a timely reminder for those involved in the community stadium saga that rugby league is a popular, proud sport in these parts, and indeed does a lot of damn good.

There is, of course, only one week to go before the Knights’ first home match of the Kingstone Press League One season yet the club remain homeless - and by “club” I mean players, coaches, supporters, kids who play the game for the city’s junior teams, in other words the people who are being right royally let down.

So, how about someone somewhere in a position of power actually does something productive to sort out this mess.