Coles Lane Rivals In Charity Cup

The second annual charity friendly between Coles Lane rivals Romulus and Sutton Coldfield Town takes place this Tuesday night (2nd August, KO 7.30pm) as the two clubs join forces to do their bit for a local hospice.

Romulus' official nominated charity, The John Taylor Hospice, will benefit from all of the gate receipts after the success of last years donation to the Royals charity, Sutton Support Services.

Roms boss Richard Evans explained the thinking behind another meeting with their league rivals.

"Chris [Keogh, Sutton manager] and I know eachother well, and sharing the ground, its not like either side have massive secrets from each other in terms of how we play.

"Some people may think it odd to play one of the sides in your own league, but it worked for both sides last year, and it is an opportunity for both clubs to put something back into our community.

"We've been helping the John Taylor Hospice for over a year now and the partnership works well- but their need is all the more urgent now after funding cuts- they need to raise much, much more just to operate, so we're delighted to help in any way we can."

The hospice, based on Grange Road in Erdington, offers care for terminally ill adults, with a high proportion of its occupants under the age of 30.

Evans also paid tribute to both rivals Sutton Coldfield for continuing last years trend, and to international aluminium manufacturer Alcoa, whose Kitts Green site have sponsored the match to raise extra funds for the charity.

"We were both short of a game last year and the idea sprung from there really.

"It was fantastic, and Sutton's charity were really grateful, so they have played their part by agreeing to do it again for our charity.

"It just goes to show that despite a healthy rivalry, here is an ongoing good relationship between the two clubs.

"We're also very grateful to Alcoa who have been very generous with their sponsorship- its a welcome boost to what we hope will be a high amount of gate receipts."

Admission is £5 adults, £3 concessions and just £1 for children.

Supporters are reminded that there will also be an 8-page programme issued on the evening to commemorate the event- priced at 50p, all proceeds will also go to the John Taylor Hospice.