A CHARITY rugby match held on Friday, February 6, raised almost £8,000 for Bowel Cancer UK.

Regional AM, Andrew RT Davies and Vale MP Alun Cairns, went head to head in the fixture which Assembly Rugby won 33-14.

The game has been held annually between a team from the National Assembly and the House of Commons & Lords RFC since 2006, with the Assembly now having won four in a row.

Secretary of State for Wales, Stephen Crabb, was given the man-of-the-match award.

The National Assembly for Wales' rugby team was established in 2006 after former AM (and now MP) Glyn Davies had a brush with bowel cancer.

Glyn made a full recovery and wanted to support the charity which was so close to his heart.

The match was watched by more than 200 people, with supporters giving generously to the charity.

Assembly Rugby chairman and regional AM, Andrew RT Davies, said: “I was extremely proud to have played a part in the match on Friday. Not only was the event a wonderful advert for the spirit of rugby, we were delighted to raise so much money for Bowel Cancer UK.

“Events like this are about promoting good causes and raising awareness of the work that Bowel Cancer UK do. However, I can’t deny that it felt great to beat our friends at the Commons & Lords for the fourth time in a row to keep the trophy here in Wales.”

Vale MP Alun Cairns said: “It was great to play in this fixture for the ninth year in a row, and I was pleased to have been asked to take part. I very much enjoyed pitting my wits against Andrew RT Davies and the other assembly members from all political sides. The match was very competitive, but was played in the right spirit. I was naturally disappointed to be on the losing side, but the fantastic amount of money raised is a credit to the organisers.”