A tightly contested friendly played during St Ives Rugby Club's traditional Overs and Unders charity match has beaten off the cold and managed to raise more than £750.

Players old and new congregated immediately after the Christmas festivities on December 27 to run off any excesses and help raise money for the Mayor's chosen charities.

The match featured players with ages spanning from 19 to 63, with the pitch often strewn with bodies, but it was Unders who prevailed with a marginal 34-29 victory.

The Overs often utilised the tactic of kicking for territory, but it took the Unders only a short while to realise that the stout defence wasn't impenetrable and less likely to withstand some decent handling which eventually frequently led to a score.

The Hunts Post: Mayor of St Ives, Cllr Philip Pope, celebrates with the players after the game.Mayor of St Ives, Cllr Philip Pope, celebrates with the players after the game. (Image: Philip Pope)

Mayor of St Ives, Cllr Philip Pope, was on hand to accept the donations from the Club and said: “Such a joyous day was had by all. I am overwhelmed by the support of the St Ives Rugby Club, and I am equally amazed by the generosity of its members and supporters.

“It was so lovely to see the camaraderie between the players on the pitch on Tuesday (December 27) afternoon, and this resulted in a great atmosphere with some very entertaining moments for the rest of us looking on from the sidelines.

"Despite a very close game, I congratulate the Unders for just sneaking to victory, despite stiff competition from the Overs and the last-minute plea from the Chairman for extra try points.

"It didn’t really matter who won in the end as the spirits were high and the laughter was flowing in abundance."

The Hunts Post: The St Ives players who took part in the annual Overs v Unders match for charity.The St Ives players who took part in the annual Overs v Unders match for charity. (Image: Philip Pope)

The day had begun with minis and juniors staging the first 'Dads v. Lads' (which included Mums and Lasses, too) touch match for many a year.

The youngsters gave their elders a subject lesson in converting overlaps, with lots of smiles, skills and offloads on show in an enjoyable showing.

Following both games there was a raffle, which turned into an auction thanks to some "very generous" people putting their prizes back.

The raffle and donations made throughout the day raised more than £750, which will be distributed evenly between the Mayor's eight chosen charities, which all support local causes.

Cllr Pope added: "I can’t thank the club enough for their support."