Success in the second annual Charity Bowl between Ayr and Cartha

2 Aug 2019

Cartha Queens Park Women hosted Ayr Women in their annual charity match at Dumbreck on Saturday. The event has so far raised over £1,500 for the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society Scotland and was the second year that the annual Charity Bowl between the two clubs has taken place.

As well as playing a full 80-minute match, which Cartha Queens
Park won 34-26, the players also participated in a series of short games and
activities which simulated some of the symptoms people living with MS
experience.

The two teams decided that all proceeds should go to the MS
Society this year due to one of the Cartha QP players being diagnosed with MS.

Carolyn Baker, who plays at tighthead prop, was diagnosed with
relapsing MS last year.

Baker said: “Rugby is an incredibly caring and inclusive
sport and the support I’ve had from the squad at Cartha QP since my diagnosis
has been amazing.

“It really drives home what a great club, and group of
people, this is to be a part of.

“I’m still playing though the symptoms of my condition make
it more difficult to play and train particularly with the fatigue and the
affect it has had on my eyesight.

“Last year’s charity match at Millbrae was my first game of
rugby back having expected to never play again so it was an incredibly
emotional occasion for me.

“This year we’re delighted to be supporting a charity that
is fighting the condition and to be giving my teammates and opposition a taste
of what a few of the symptoms are that I experience.”

Fundraising activities on the day included selling close to 100 laces
in the recognisable orange colour for MS, a silent auction and a tomobola. Both
clubs also partnered with Galloway based Hills and Harbour Gin. 74 bottles were
sold with the profits going directly to MS.

Cartha Queens Park President, Ed Crozier,
said: “The day was a great success both on and off the pitch. A large
crowd watched a really exciting well contested match with Cartha eventually
edging it 34-26 to win the Charity Bowl.

“Both teams should be congratulated in the
spirit which the match was played, I was proud of them both. The real winner
was the rugby family, and the Multiple Sclerosis Society and was a great
example of rugby looking after its own, promoting our culture and enacting our
values.”

Photo credit: ALT Photography