ABOUT 500 people turned out for the XV Veterans Rugby Festival at Malton and Norton Rugby Club to cheer on the two teams of rugby mad forty-somethings as they went head-to-head for the third year in a row.

The event, organised by Ben Stone and Marcus Aldrich and Amanda Batcheler, had the support of England Rugby Ltd and the Rugby Football Union who had chosen it to be part of their Festival of Rugby for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. It also included RFU try rugby games and an assault course for youngsters, vintage fairground games, gourmet street food, a tombola and an auction.

The match itself was won by the Codgers, who emerged triumphant with a 22-7 victory over their rivals.

First half tries from Justin Rowe and Andy Allan gave the Codgers some breathing space, before a second-half resurgence from the Relics saw Ian Mansell break through two tackles to put the ball under the posts, with his captain Nigel Tench adding the conversion.

The Codgers scored a third try through Man of the Match Robert Hopkinson, but the Relics refused to throw in the towel and had their opponents on the ropes on several occasions with Les Pallister and Des Wright among those who ploughed head-first into the action.

However, it was Codgers captain Rob Hicks who had the final say when he added a fourth try at the death.

Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake, himself a keen rugby player, was guest of honour and greeted both sets of players before the match, later tweeting that it was a "great evening, great causes".

The trophy was jointly presented to winning captain Rob Hicks by Chris Marsden, of Vale Radio, and Ava Easton, chief executive of The Encephalitis Society, and David Brewster, chief executive of Ryedale Special Families.

Proceeds from the evening – expected to be more than £10,000 – will be split between The Encephalitis Society and Ryedale Special Families.

The organisers also thanked the main sponsors of the event which included Bannisters’ Farm; Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors; McClarrons Ltd; Envirodoor; Strathon Park Financial Ltd, Russells Group, and The White Swan, Pickering.

Marcus Aldrich, who had the original idea for the XV Veterans Rugby Festival, said: “The enduring spirit of rugby players has proven yet again that it is possible to achieve amazing things.

“We enjoyed a wonderful evening festival of rugby and have had no end of positive comments from the participants.

“Our 46 players have relived a dream and have new stories to share.

“They are proud that their children and friends might be inspired by their actions and proud that they have fought through a very hard physical match - and barring a couple of hamstrings - lived to play another day.

“It has taken huge amounts of preparation from both the players and the organisers and it has paid off - what a show."