The annual Buckingham Rugby Club Charity Tournament, AKA Harper’s Day, drew a crowd of over 250 to watch a seasonal feast of sporting prowess and spectator goodwill and in the process raised a very credible £4,000. Six teams of players past and present, and a fair number of friends, competed in two pools that culminated in two semi-finals and a dingdong of a final.

The Bulldogs were the 5-0 Cup winners of an exciting, and spirited, final against second placed Akeley Wood Old Boys. The ever-present Pot Belly Farmers won the Plate having beaten the Old Latins 21-10. The Bowl winners were the Harper/Wood XV edging over a Buckingham Presidents XV 31-0. Well done to the Bulldogs for winning the Cup for the 2nd year running and congratulations to Akeley Wood Old Boys for getting themselves in the final for the first time. Oh, and big hand for the Harpers outfit for winning a game.

Whilst rugby brings everyone together the emphasis is very much on raising funds for local charities or charities with a local connection. This year the rugby club are please to support the following:

The Wooden Spoon children's charity in memory of John Deeley who passed away just before Christmas. John was the President of Bicester Rugby Club, a major supporter of the Wooden Spoon, and a friend to many at Buckingham Rugby Club.

The Teenage Cancer Trust as a Buckingham Academy player, Max Judge, has recently been diagnosed with cancer. The Buckingham Academy players will also be doing a charity head shave at the club before the 1st XV game on Saturday 26th January, so please come along and give them your support.

The RNLI, and more specifically the Life Guards of Croyde Beach, in memory of Charlie Dunne. Charlie lost his life last summer following a freak accident on Croyde beach. Charlie played for Aylesbury Grammar School and his youth rugby at Aylesbury RFC. Many Buckingham Rugby Club members will know his father Sean, who was one of 4 siblings that all attended Buckingham schools and his grandfather Kieran who was the local bobby that kept Buckingham in a good place for decades.

The Matt Hampson Foundation supported Buckingham Youth player, George Smith, in his recovery following a neck injury. The aim of the foundation is to provide advice, support, relief and/or treatment for anyone suffering serious injury or disability which has arisen from any cause, but in particular from participation in or training for any sport, sporting activity or other form of physical education or recreation.

Finally, we continue to support ForCrohns. Crohn’s is a debilitating disease quietly suffered by a surprising number of club members. ForCrohn’s is the only Crohns charity in the UK solely dedicated to funding research into and raising awareness of Crohn's Disease.

This wouldn't have been made possible without the generosity of Buckingham Rugby Club, who covered most of the cost of the event. In addition, huge thanks to Buckingham Swans for running the BBQ & kitchen, Fulwell Foods & the Brackley Butchers for donating meat, Dr Kev Barnett of MK18 Private Medical Practice for providing his medical cover alongside Physio David Lucas, the lads from Buckingham Academy for manning the front door, the players, referees, and everyone else that pitched in before, during and after.