The county’s newest community rugby club, the Bedfordshire SuperVets travelled to the heart of Suffolk for their latest exhibition match, helping to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease (MND), running out 58-29 victors.
Playing in the shadow of the British Sugar factory in Bury St Edmunds, once one of Europe’s largest in the second game for Bedfordshire Super Vets, the experienced heads of the county’s rugby union clubs came together in a spirited clash that showcased the enduring camaraderie of SuperVets rugby.
The Bedfordshire Vets have won both of their exhibition games so far; their 55-40 win against Hertfordshire in September ending their opponents’ year-long unbeaten record, before scoring ten more tries in Suffolk.
Read: Meet the Bedfordshire Super Vets setting out to boost rugby numbers in aid of local charities
Bedford Swifts’ Andy Copley led the way with a brace, while there was also a hat-trick for Ampthill’s, Damon Blakey.
Charlie Nissen and Paul Harmon also scored two apiece, while Steve McDade scored the other, with conversions coming from Harman and Blakey.
Man of the match went to Charlie Nissen with an honourable mention going to Andy Copley.
A donation of over £550 raised by players from both teams is on the way to the rugby league legend, Kevin Sinfield and his ‘7 in 7’ challenge, that aims to raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease.
Sinfield will be running seven ultra marathons in seven regions of the UK and Ireland over seven days to continue their incredible work in highlighting MND, inspired by his good friend and fellow League legend, Rob Burrow who passed away in June 2024.
The donation is a timely one, with another big rugby name in former England captain, Lewis Moody also revealing his diagnosis at the beginning of October.
Captain, Scott Mineikis praised the team’s effort after a long trip and another successful day of fundraising and vets rugby:
“I’m so proud of everyone who wore the County shirt today”, said Scott.
“Everyone really put in a shift, and it’s brilliant to see new faces joining the squad. The best part for me is seeing the grin back on the guys’ faces after the game – especially those who haven’t played in years.”
Team manager, Dan Batchelor also reflected on the day.
“It was a good all-round team performance, it was nice to see a load of guys getting back and enjoying a sport they love…”
The Bedfordshire Super Vets is a new team aimed at increasing participation in the sport, and led by Brett Antill, Richard Shaw, Scott Mineikis, Dan Batchelor and Paul Baines, open to players aged 50 and above.
Games are played with ‘roll on, roll off’ substitutes, with six more games planned across the remaining rugby season, and many more charities in the pipeline to receive the donations made throughout the day.
If you are interested in playing for or supporting, you can email the team at BedsSuperVets@gmail.com and you can follow the team’s journey via their social media pages by searching ‘Bedfordshire Super Vets RFC’.
