Yorkshire Select XIII ...A lot
British Army Rats ...Not quite as many

Not often these days do you have the opportunity of seeing Paul Newlove racing 60 metres to score a try (and yes he still looked very impressive). Add to this the sight of a drop goal from Terry O'Connor, a conversion by Barry McDermott of his own try and telling runs by Lee Jackson and you know you have had a treat. All of this orchestrated from the middle of the park by Daryll Powell who had lost none of his guile. This was the opportunity so many people missed at the Chris Moyles' Stadium this weekend.

Sadly it was a poor turnout on Saturday for the annual charity game between the Army Rats (Race Against Time and Senility) and a Yorkshire Select XIII. A well contested game of four quarters saw the Tykes come out on top and what a delight it was to see the big men Barry McDermott and Terry O'Connor driving the ball in with all the enthusiasm of old. Paul Newlove not only scored tries but was the provider of much that came down that left wing and reawakened many well loved memories. Not forgetting the rest of the two teams that came with the intention of playing an open game and spun the ball across the field at every opportunity.

For the last ten minutes Barry and Terry decided to join the army and referee Steve Presley donned the blue shirt of the Yorkshire team. Mr Presley was soon caught in possession and buried by five of the army team and possibly the fastest hands of the day saw him pass on the ball as it came his way the very next tackle. Barry and Terry meanwhile contrived to show their ball handling skills as they lifted the Rats for a final flourish.

In the end a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon, well worth the admission, with all proceeds going to the Mike Gregory Trust Fund. Let's hope that next year more people realise what they missed and swell the crowd and the coffers.

I wonder though if the stars of old will be moving as smoothly when they get up tomorrow morning.