RUGBY players got the new year off to an energetic start with a charity match in memory of a former friend, team-mate and work colleague.

A big crowd gathered at the Strawberry Grounds on New Year’s Day to witness a Furness team take on a squad representing Orsted – formerly Dong Energy.

It is the second year the game has been staged in memory of former Furness player and Dong Energy employee Lee White, and generous spectators raised almost £1,200, to be shared between St Mary’s Hospice and The Bluebell Foundation.

Despite blustery and damp conditions, the game – a mix of union and league – was played in great spirit, as players showed off their individual skills.

Two squads of about 25 players each interchanged and provided an entertaining and fiercely competitive game for the crowd, despite conditions underfoot proving heavy at times.

Furness took an early lead with an Adam Nicholson try, and retained their 5-0 advantage for the remainder of the first half despite some powerful running from the Orsted backs.

Although lacking experience in the laws of union, Orsted maintained the pressure in attack and defended impressively as they quickly adapted to the pace of the game.

The ball was recycled quickly and they showed they had learned quickly from their few coaching sessions on rucking and mauling. Orsted scrum half George Smith brought a little union experience and he distributed well to his eager backs.

Furness finished the half with their 5-0 lead still intact, and with the wind at their backs they were quickly on the offensive after the break.

The agreed no kicking law meant yards were hard-earned against the Orsted defence who had some amateur rugby league big guns in their ranks and were not for taking a backward step. Furness regulars Corne Els and Joe Mallinson were frequently in the action, and it was from a Mallinson break that Furness prop Chris Dalton was able to crash over in the clubhouse corner for 10-0.

Orsted were quickly back on the attack and a penalty for a high tackle gave them the opportunity to take a quick tap and touch down out wide, bringing the score to 10-5.

Once again the game was locked as both teams slugged it out, with barely a missed tackle in sight. Furness were keen to increase their lead, and after a Tez Nueto break they came close to sealing victory.

But as both teams struggled to identify each other in the closing stages it was a stray Furness pass that found the safe hands of the Orsted backs.

Moving the ball quickly and impressively the Furness defence were flat-footed and the resulting break saw them score under the posts. The easy conversion made it 12-10 to the visitors as the final whistle blew. On the day, the result did not matter but the crowd appreciated the commitment and entertainment provided by the two teams in sapping conditions.

Furness RUFC thanked Orsted for their support, the sponsors of the raffle prizes, and the volunteers from the club who made it happen.

Above all, they thanked Lee White’s family, friends and workmates, who all gave generously on the day, both physically and financially, to make the annual event a fitting tribute to their friend and colleague.