There was no quarter given on the pitch but a competitive rugby union game played in good spirits raised more than £1,300 for a good cause in memory of a multi-talented sportsman.

The fifth annual Thomas Froggatt Memorial match at Bleach Green saw the hosts Egremont edge a close encounter 28-26, seeing off an attempt at a dramatic comeback from an ex-St Bees School XV to take the win.

The clash was followed by events in the clubhouse as Thomas was remembered and money was raised in his memory for a charity which made an impact in his life.

The game was organised by the Egremont club’s committee, and member Huw Lewis said they were delighted with how much money had been raised and the turnout on the day.

Lewis said: “This is one of those things that sport does particularly well, coming together for a great cause like this.

“It was the fifth running of the match and it seems to be gathering momentum year on year.

“It was a cracking game, really hard and well-fought, and both sets of players took it seriously which adds a bit of credibility to it as a sporting contest.

“At one point Egremont were well ahead but the St Bees lads clawed it back and in the end it was close.”

Thomas Froggatt, who played rugby, football and cricket locally, died in 2015 of an incurable brain disease.

Saturday’s events raised a sizeable sum for the Calvert Trust, the charity chosen by Thomas’ parents Nick and Maggie Froggatt, due to the support they provided for him.

The money came together through a pitchside collection, raffle and auction, with spectators in the healthy crowd, players and businesses digging deep into their pockets.

Lewis added: “The fact that people want to contribute to the charity in Thomas’s memory is a testament to the family and the charity itself.

“That is something good out of the most difficult of circumstances really.”