EARLSTON RFC players, committee and friends demonstrated the spirit of the festive season at their recent East League Division 2 clash with RDC when holding a fundraiser and auction for MND awareness and the Doddie Weir Trust.

Prior to the match 50 guests attended a Sponsors Lunch in the clubrooms.

The tables were sponsored by Harbro (Agricultural Supplies) and by a group of weel kent “stout” gentlemen from Lauder led by Maxwell Dick - both whom ERFC would like to thank for their continued support.

Guest of honour was Doddie Weir who was in fine form with his stories and anecdotes mostly at the expense of club stalwart Alistair Hogg!

The club donated all proceeds,from the lunch to the fund and the Ladies of the club also gave up their time to prepare and serve a lunch enjoyed by all.

The Earlston players got into the spirit and played the game with tartan sock flashes, in honour of Doddie and came out on top with a fine 29-10 win, which contributed a long way to the fine spirits later in the evening.

President Bob Austin, made his usual amount of speeches and thanked all who gave up their time to make the day the success it was.

He also thanked the sponsors and Doddie for their attendance.

After the game the main event was an Auction with donations from local and not so local businesses and weel kent rugby celebs. To many to name here but once again a huge thanks to them from Doddie and the club.

A special mention goes to auctioneer for the evening Iain Dick, who kept the event flowing and got the most out of the willing audience’s pockets even those with short arms!

Among the items being auctioned as a framed and signed Glasgow Jersey, donated by Lee Jones, which was promptly handed back to the club to be displayed after being bought.

Overall the club raised the sum of £7,350 from the lunch and auction which will be passed on to the DW5 MND Trust.

Once again the organising committee of Jane Niven, Danielle Denham, Warren Fairbairn and Brian Turner would like to thank all who sponsored, donated, attended and spent their money.