Support pours in for Villagers’ charity day

HILLCREST Villagers Rugby Club Old Boys (affectionately known as the HVRC Old School XV) hosted yet another successful fundraising rugby match at the weekend.

Each year the Old School Villagers side comes together to play the beautiful game and set up a fundraising platform, the proceeds of which are donated to a child in need.

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This year, the two-year-old Jackson Roberts was selected as the beneficiary for the annual charity drive.

The fundraiser initiative, which is in its fourth year, was started by players Brian Lewis and Travis Duggan, and is fully supported by the team and management.

“We aim to reach a target of R100 000 each year for each chosen child. Albeit, the past two rugby seasons have been hampered by Covid-19 restrictions, with matches either cancelled or postponed and spectators barred from attending some fixtures, this Saturday was a gem of a day.

“The match was well attended with spectators respecting social distancing rules, the sun shone, food and beverages flowed and the rugby was hard and fast,” said Lewis

This past Saturday, the Old School Villagers kicked off proceedings at 16:30 against Toti old boys with the Hillcrest Villagers’ 1st XV locking horns with UKZN 1st XV in an exhibition fixture thereafter.

Hillcrest emerged victorious in both the encounters, however club rugby and everything it represents, including camaraderie, sportsmanship and playing for a common cause, was the real winner at the end of the day.

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Lewis said proceedings started on Friday night at Stokers Arms in Kloof with dinner and an auction. There were numerous prizes, vouchers, sporting memorabilia and the like up for grabs. Also received were cash donations and a prize draw with further brilliant prizes on game day.

He added that the Hillcrest Villagers Old School XV thanked each supporter who gave so generously to the cause.

“Jackson’s parents, Nick and Jade Lee Roberts, thank everyone involved from the bottom of their hearts for helping Jackson and his family. #rugbyforjackson was a great success,” said Lewis.