WHITCHURCH came out triumphant above Overton in the inaugural Rotten Hill Cup, an over-40s charity football match between the two local rival teams.

The event took place on April 30, and saw the Whitchurch side take the game 2-0 over local rivals Overton in a friendly game of football that raised thousands of pounds for charity.

In total, the event raised £3,500 in total, to be split between the two football teams and some local charities that are halfway between Whitchurch and Overton.

One of the event’s organisers, Jo Cowmeadow, said: “Considering that this was only thought of around Christmas was a great effort, with 50 per cent, (£1,750) going to Whitchurch United FC, 25 per cent, (£875) going to Overton United FC. Whitchurch received the higher percentage this year for hosting and next year it will be in Overton’s favour.”

Whitchurch hosted the event at the Longmeadow Sports Ground, and next year the event will be played in Overton.

Mr Cowmeadow continued: “Both The Kingfisher Day Centre in Laverstoke and the Test Valley Men’s Shed, both in Laverstoke, will also both be receiving £437.50. It really was two great communities combining for football and charity funding.”

The event is hoped to become a yearly fixture, with both Whitchurch and Overton alternating the hosting of the match every year, and the charities changing every year.

The idea was thought of by a group of friends with the idea of coming up with a fun way of raising money, and a charity football match was suggested.

Mr Cowmeadow continued: “It was an absolutely fabulous event, it really couldn’t have gone better if we tried.

“While the weather threatened to turn bad on us, it didn’t rain until we were finished, which was good.

“The match was followed by a great evening consisting of drinking, live music, and a DJ and went on until late with both teams celebrating together.

“Myself and the rest of the organisers really want to thank the each and every single one of the local businesses and local people who kindly donated raffle prizes to the event and helped to make it such a success.”