Caerphilly RFC has played host to the annual charity rugby match between the Welsh Assembly and the House of Commons and Lords.
On a bright, clear, day at Virginia Park, on Saturday, February 23, the Assembly ran out 42-14 winners.
The match, first held in 2006, fundraises for charity Bowel Cancer UK. In the last ten years around £30,000 has been raised.
Caerphilly Assembly Member Hefin David took to the field as a winger in what was his first ever game of rugby.
Dr David said he took part in the match to honour Plaid Cymru Assembly Member Steffan Lewis and UKIP’s Assembly candidate for Caerphilly Sam Gould. Mr Lewis died of bowel cancer last month, while Mr Gould died of the disease in June 2017.
After his stint on the field of play, Dr David said: “I’m seeing stars, but given it’s my first game it wasn’t too bad.”
Mike Jones, chair of Welsh Assembly Rugby, said: “It is poignant that we remember Steffan Lewis AM, who, at the age of 34, lost his battle against bowel cancer last month. Our thoughts are with him and his family.”
Michael Locke, of Bowel Cancer UK, said: “The support from Welsh Assembly Rugby has enabled Bowel Cancer UK to be where it is today, raising awareness of the symptoms and importance of early diagnosis, providing a wide range of free information to bowel cancer patients and their families.”