STARS of yesteryear reunited at Batley Bulldogs to raise more than £6,000 for breast cancer charities.
A Batley All Stars line-up of ex-players took on the Silverbacks invitational team last Saturday.
The breast cancer cause has been close to Batley hearts since Beverley Nicholas, the late wife of chairman Kevin, launched the Pink Weekend fundraiser in 2014.
And their efforts have been increased this year after recent player Luke Cooper’s wife was diagnosed with the disease.
The Bulldogs’ annual Pink Weekend game will be the Sunday, August 16 fixture against Keighley Cougars, as they look to reach £250,000 raised over the initiative’s 13-year history.
Mark Barlow, the club’s current strength and conditioner who made 54 Batley appearances between 2007 and 2010, scored the All Stars’ final try in a 38-16 victory and also coached the team, which featured other old favourites including David Rourke, Gareth Moore and Pat Walker.
“It was great for people to put that famous shirt on one more time and play at Mount Pleasant. It was a beautiful day,” said Barlow.
“For the players, having the camaraderie and banter again, it was like we’d never been away.
“It was all towards breast cancer research and we’re hoping, through the Pink Weekend and other events, to raise £22,000 more this year.
“There was a lot of input, not just from Kev and his daughter but from everyone who works at the club. It’s a massive effort.
“All the players, past and present, buy into it because they know it’s such an important project.”
Donations can still be made online here.