East Midlands Rugby Union chairman Bob Taylor has thanked all the supporters who headed to Franklin’s Gardens last week for the 2016 Mobbs Memorial Match.
Over 3,100 tickets were sold for the Match, a 20 percent rise on the last time it had been staged at Franklin’s Gardens two years ago, with thousands of pounds being raised for the Mobbs Memorial Trust, which supports youth rugby in the East Midlands.
The game itself was won 24-10 by a youthful Saints XV that included a number of Senior and Junior Academy players.
“It was a great night at Franklin’s Gardens last Wednesday,” Taylor commented. “We had some lovely weather and everyone who was there was treated to an excellent match.
“Having over 3,000 people in the stadium showed just what an appetite people have for rugby in Northampton and that the Mobbs Memorial Match still has a place in peoples’ hearts. The funds raised will go a long way to helping the clubs in the East Midlands grow their youth sections and everyone who was at the Match can be proud of helping rugby union develop in this area.
“It was especially pleasing to see so many products of the Saints Academy system wear the black, green and gold, a lot of whom are still in their teens. These players are the inspiration for others in the area because they are a clear demonstration of the Saints’ commitment to youth development.
“I would also like to thank the British Army, whose team gave their all and who helped make the occasion memorable. And the Saints’ staff put in a lot of hard work to make sure that the day went very smoothly.”
