In what will be the first of an annual fixture between two Newport teams, Hartridge and Newport Saracens will raise funds for the Motor Nurone Disease Association (MNDA) in a match which will take place on Saturday 15th August 2015 at Llanwern High School (KO 2.30pm).
Stuart Mackie the Chairman of Hartridge and publican at The Open Hearth Pub (Ringland) where Hartridge are based, decided to arrange the fixture in memory of Andrew Shorney – an ex-club player who passed away in 2013, after a long battle with MND.
He said: “The Club has been thinking of a way to remember Andrew and raise money for MNDA for a while. The annual fixture for The Andrew Shorney Memorial Cup this year is being billed as “The Battle of The Invincibles.” It was arranged after banter between the two teams on social media, as both teams were undefeated and crowned champions of the Swalec Leagues last season. Hartridge also won the Newport & District Cup, making them two consecutive seasons’ undefeated league and cup, double winners.
“I suggested a play-off to settle the banter, and see who really is the best team? The plan to involve MNDA in memory of Andrew evolved from there really, the two clubs haven’t met for a while and when I made the suggestion Newport Saracens Chairman Nicky Parkes fully supported the idea and cause, so we can really thank Nicky and Newport Saracens for agreeing to the game and the opportunity to raise funds ultimately to make a difference.
Mr Mackie added it’s great to see two successful, progressive community clubs getting together and supporting the MNDA, in memory of such a great person and legend.
“It’s ironic how the fixture has evolved as Andrew was always one for banter, the winners will not only retain the cup, but the bragging rights all year, and to be the inaugural winners of The Andrew Shorney Memorial Cup will be so important to each club. The Cup will be played annually on a home and away basis, Hartridge having the first home advantage at their prestigious Llanwern High School facility.”
Both clubs feel the fixture and Cup named after Andrew will be a fitting tribute to such a popular character and great player, known as “The Barry Express” due to his speed or ”lack of it”, in his playing days at full back.
“I’m sure both clubs will give 100% in supporting the day for such a great cause. Andrew was a great friend to many, a true gentleman and great sportsman who played for Hartridge, becoming a local legend by kicking six penalties to win the Welsh Brewers Cup for the club at the old National Stadium, almost single handedly in 1991,” added Mr Mackie.
We hope to involve every Rugby Club in the Newport area and will be writing and sending invitations out to each club, asking them to come along on the day to support the event. Hartridge will also be involving the community in supporting the day, we have many plans to include a variety of fundraising from first try scorer and final score sweep and later at The Open Hearth Pub, Kids Bouncy Castle, Face Paints, BBQ, Rugby Famous Celebrities, live entertainment, a series of raffles and auctions to help raise over £2,000 for MNDA.
Mr. Mackie added: “We remember the suffering Andrew and his family went through, and to see such a great young sportsman suffer so much really broke the hearts of his family and many friends. If we can ease or help someone else’s suffering from the disease by raising as much money as we can, that will be the only result that matters on the day. It will be an achievement that both Hartridge, Newport Saracens and everyone that contributes can be proud of and we know Andrew will be just as proud of us in helping such a great cause.
MND is a rapidly progressive and fatal disease, which can affect any adult at any time and attacks the motor neurones that send messages from the brain to the muscles, leaving people unable to walk, talk or feed themselves.
The cause of the disease is unknown and there is no known cure. Around 5,000 people in the UK have MND at any one time, with half of people with the disease dying within 14 months of diagnosis. It kills five people every day in the UK.
The Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association is the only national organisation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland dedicated to the support of people with MND and those who care for them. The Association funds research to understand what causes MND, how to diagnose it and most importantly how to effectively treat it so that it no longer devastates lives.
Denise Davies, Head of Community Fundraising at the MND Association, said: “Without the amazing support of people like Stuart Mackie and Nicky Parkes, the MND Association simply would not be able to provide its vital support services and fund research to find a cure. Together we are making a real difference for people affected by this devastating disease.”
