Hodgsons FC boss Lee Hastings told HU17.net “the banter was spot on” during Sunday’s fund-raising cross-sport encounter with Beverley ARLC.
The town’s sports fans flocked to the Beverley Leisure Centre to watch the sides first play rugby league and then play football.
Honours were even as the Blue and Golds ran out 4-3 winners in the rugby, then The Tanners claimed their revenge to win the football 2-1.
But sport was the real winner on the day, and the generous crowd helped raise £1,300 for the clubs – a lifeline in such harsh financial times.
Hastings, who missed out on the rugby but turned back the clock with a cameo performance in the football, was delighted with the day and praised the commitment of players and fans alike.
He said: “The lads really enjoyed the day. A couple of em were a little nervous, but once on that pitch the nerves disappeared.
“I was particularly pleased with the efforts from Ben Daniels, Steve Grantham and Ben Wallis.
“I think overall the footy lads surprised the rugby lads with their strong running and exciting kicking, but likewise the rugby lads put on a great display in the football match.
“The banter throughout the day was spot on, with both teams getting on really well and together earning some much-needed funds for the new season.
“The day couldn’t have gone much better!”
After the match, Hastings issued a stern “hand-off” warning to covetous Beverley ARLC officials.
With Grantham, Daniels and Wallis all impressing, Hastings admitted some of his Hodgsons players had been ‘tapped up’ by the Blue And Golds.
And he was quick to urge them not to turn their back on Hodgsons.
He said: “A couple of my lads impressed that much in the rugby, that they have been offered a trial next season for Beverley!
“Clearly I told them to say to NO.”
One player who won’t become a rare football to rugby league convert is Danny Cartwright.
A couple of meaty tackles early in the rugby league clash seemed to make him think twice about taking the ball up, and he admitted it wasn’t his favourite experience.
Speaking exclusively to HU17.net he revealed: “I wanted to be anywhere else than out there – I am just glad I wasn’t as involved as some of the other lads.
“The games were played in a good spirit and it was a great day.”
By Scott McHugh
