Carshalton-based club Mitcham RFC held a sevens tournament in memory of third team player Daniel Simpson, who sadly died while serving in Afghanistan with 2nd Battalion Rifles.
All proceeds from the event are to go to Help for Heroes and 2nd Battalion Rifles, with the club expecting the final total raised to be around £10,000.
On an unusually bright and sunny October Sunday afternoon, in the presence of the Mayor of the London Borough of Sutton and the previous Mayor of the London Borough of Merton, 250 balloons were released by Bob and Debbie Simpson, the parents of Danny Simpson, to a minutes applause in memory of Danny and all of the service men and women who have lost their lives in Afghanistan. This poignant moment marked the start of an eventful afternoon of rugby.
The unfortunate withdrawal of some teams left the Elite group with only two teams, St Georges and Warlingham and after a closely contested game Warlingham emerged as victors and therefore taking the trophy in the elite group.
With extra points being awarded for age, experience (or lack of it) and costume the minnows tournament was hotly contested by teams such as a superheroes 7 (including Batman, Batgirl and Robin), a group of football players led by Danny’s brother Jimmy (they weren’t quite sure what to do with such an odd shaped ball), a colts side dressed in dresses and tutus and a vets team with their oldest player aged 70.
The eventual victors were Phil’s Teetotallers led by Danny’s Uncle Phil Brown who won an eagerly awaited final against Dan’s Divas, an all girls team led by Danny’s Aunt, Karen Brown. Those not playing or spectating, whether young or old enjoyed the use of an inflatable assault course kindly supplied and ran by the Army.
After the tournament an auction was hosted by Gary Ashburn for items such as a Martin Johnson signed shirt, a signed Chelsea Shirt and a dance lesson with Karen Hardy of Strictly Come Dancing. There was a silent auction with bids being taken throughout the day for many lots including a luxury Harrods Hamper, a week in a villa in Turkey and Fulham V Liverpool tickets. Raffle tickets were on sale during and after the tournament for a cake decorated with The Rifles Emblem with a separate raffle for hampers, wine, champagne and sports event tickets.
Between the two auctions, the raffles, collection buckets, and the sale of food and drinks, the total raised on the day currently stands at £7000 which will be donated to Help for Heroes and the 2nd Battalion Rifles in memory of Daniel Simpson.
