A win for the Consultants – sets things up nicely for “the decider”
Andrew Childerley was part of the winning Consultant’s side for this year’s exhibition rugby match played at the University ground in Cambridge.
The Consultants v Contractors match is the “brainchild” of Ben Hayek (Bidwells) & Paul Kirkwood (Vinci).
The pair devised the idea of a local charity rugby match whilst sampling a few beers during one of winter internationals last year. Using their local network of colleagues, contractors, friends (and “ringers”), they managed to bring together many different disciplines from the local built environment for an unforgettable afternoon of entertaining rugby and “networking” - with all proceeds going to charity.
Following the overwhelming success of the first years event, which saw the Contractors lift the trophy and helped raise more than £4k for EACH (East Anglia's Children's Hospice), they decided to make it an annual event.
This years’ chosen charity was ARUK (Alzheimer's Research) and so far they have raised almost £5.5k. Donations are still welcome for anyone who couldn't make it on the day via www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/rugby2016
As expected, this year’s event was carried out with military precision and was a testament to all of the CvC team (especially Sarah, Ben, Paul, Cy and the coaches), who put in countless hours to make the event such a success and pleasure to be involved in.
The match itself was played in the right competitive spirit, and produced a very entertaining game of rugby for both players and supporters (which I’m sure was aided by the bar & a sunny afternoon!). I felt very fortunate to be invited back for the second year running, especially after the show of talent from 2015 and the increasing level of interest from players keen to get involved.
They say that; “with age comes wisdom” and after looking around at my team mates and opposition, I hoped my “wise” legs would hold out for 80 minutes! Playing number 12 and dubbed Andrew “route one” Childerley in the program (Thanks Ben!), I’m sure the opposition quickly ascertained my only running line, and I was sincerely grateful to be surrounded by more talented players in my team.
It was a tough close fought game and could have gone either way right up until the end. The consultants took an early lead and looked in control, but after a strong fight back from the contractors; I am sure I wasn't the only one relived to see the consultants ahead (17 – 7) at the final whistle.
I hope that everyone "off the pitch" enjoyed the afternoon as much as everyone “on the pitch” ……..although it did take a few days for my body (& head!) to recover.
With a win for both sides, it sets things up nicely for “the decider” in 2017.
Consultants Team from: Bidwells, AECOM, CDCstudio, Goodrich Consulting, Grand Union Housing Group, Hays, Hill, MLM, Mott Macdonald, Simon Joseph Associates, Supply Plus, Sweett Group, Technical Moves, Trident, Wrenbridge
Contractors Team from: Vinci Construction, Briggs & Forrester, Cambridge Glass, COEL, Farrans Construction, ISG, Mick George, Morgan Sindall, SDC, and T&B Contractors.