More than two dozen local companies from within the construction industry were represented on the field at Cambridge University’s Rugby Union Football Club on Friday 22nd May for this full contact contest.
A crowd of well-wishers were also present to watch more than 60 players prove that whether you are a Business Development Manager, Scaffolder, Project Manager or Quantity Surveyor – rugby is thankfully indiscriminate. The completely disparate standard of playing ability was also a ‘unique selling point’, with first-time rugby novices pitched alongside seasoned amateurs. A fully qualified Rugby Union referee orchestrated the event, which followed a four x 20-minute quarter format, incorporating uncontested scrums, rolling subs and the rather interesting if-you-score-a-try-you-take-the-conversion rule.
In February this year whilst watching the England vs Wales Six Nations Match, Ben Hayek from Bidwells and Paul Kirkwood from VINCI came up with the idea of a Contractors vs Consultants rugby event. The concept gained momentum and soon professionals from all backgrounds within the construction industry voiced their enthusiasm and pitched in. Training sessions were run by Cy Philps of McLaren and Craig Millar of SDC to ensure that all players respected the spirit of this event, whilst also learning how to tackle, take a tackle, ruck, pass and kick properly and safely.
Karen Newton, Cambridgeshire Fundraiser for EACH said: “It is so wonderful to see so many companies getting involved in this fantastic fundraising event. All the money raised will allow EACH to continue its vital work caring for children and young people with life-threatening conditions and supporting their families.”
Paul Kirkwood, Captain of the Contractors’ Team said: “I hadn’t played rugby for more than 20 years, but couldn’t resist the urge or indeed back-down from this challenge. It also brought together people of all shapes and sizes from companies who are normally competitors across the industry, who now stood shoulder-to-shoulder against a common foe – in our case the Consultant! It has been a bruising but complete pleasure from start to finish being involved in something like this and raising awareness and support for such a worthy local charity.”
Ben Hayek, Captain of the Consultants’ Team said: “Some would say that this was just-about an average game of amateur rugby, but all the players at every level really gave it their all. It has been a lot of fun and we are delighted that we have had the support of so many players, friends, families and colleagues. I also suspect everyone who took part will be nursing a few bruises and aching bodies over the next few days – but on a serious note the aches and pains were worth it as we raised a lot of money for EACH.”
Although EACH was the real winner on the day, for those of you wanting to know the score it was Contractors 40 Consultants 17.
Paul and Ben are already discussing next year’s rugby challenge and surprisingly enough there is already another somewhat diverse waiting list in existence.
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June 2015