AN AMATEUR rugby league team in Oldham has set a new world record for the longest ever game of touch rugby.
Over the August bank holiday weekend 28 Saddleworth Rangers players kept a game of touch going continuously for 30 hours, 30 minutes and 30 seconds – beating the previous best of 30 hours set by Waterloo RU in 2012.
One of those involved, Dave Tyrell, said: “It was physically and emotionally demanding but we’ve made history and it was great to be part of it.”
Wendy Garforth, the one woman among the record breakers, added: “It was amazing but it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”
And Chris Garforth joked: “It was a walk in the park. When’s the next one?”
The game got underway at 10 am on Saturday 29 August and the record was broken at 4pm on Sunday 30 after play continued through the night.
On the other half of the pitch the juniors, parents and past players also took turns to play touch rugby and were a crucial part of supporting the challenge.
Saddleworth Rangers Chairman Shane Wilson said: “I would like to thank every one of the people who played a part in our world record achievement.
“It demonstrates that Saddleworth Rangers and all those involved with it are a very special group of people.
“If we all keep pulling in the same direction the new clubhouse will also be achieved.”
On the Sunday there was a mini fun day next to the pitch and a big celebration with live music when the record was broken.
Money is still being counted but it’s thought the event raised more than £10,000 toward the clubhouse fund.
Saddleworth Rangers would like to thank everyone who has supported the event with special mention to our sponsors Multipower, Tootoot and Oldham Engineering Installations Ltd.
People can still donate if they want to at www.justgiving.com/Clubhouse1
View more images from the weekend here and watch a video of the moment the record was broken here.
Also, visit Saddleworth Rangers’ website here.
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