Charity football match raises money for Women's Aid

A charity football match between police teams to draw attention to Domestic Abuse Awareness week has raised more than £230 for Basildon Women’s Aid.

Rochford reclaimed the Silent Victim trophy with a 2-1 victory over colleagues from Canvey in a closely contested match at Canvey Football Club’s Park Lane ground.  It was the third year the club had generously allowed the ground and facilities to be used for the match.

As well as raising funds the game helped spotlight national Domestic Abuse Awareness Week and was one of a number of profile-raising events held throughout Canvey, Rochford and Rayleigh.

Each team went into the match with a win apiece from two previous games. Rochford were quickly into their stride, going into a two-nil lead before Canvey pulled one back.  All the goals came in the first half.

Pc Christos Ryan, skipper of the victorious Rochford team said: “It was a close run thing but I think that we just had a little bit more in our locker.  We’re chuffed to have regained the trophy and to have done so in aid of a very good cause.”

Pc Anthony Sharman, captain of the Castle Point team, added: “We’re disappointed not to have held onto the trophy but we were not disgraced and look forward to regaining it next year.”

The game was organised by the Rochford and Castle Point Domestic Abuse Panel and supported by the Community Safety Partnerships for the respective districts.