The first ‘Club Watch’ of this month does have a ‘Movember’ feel to it so let’s see how some of our National League sides are raising money for good causes.

National One

Bishops Stortford RFC

Bishop’s Stortford are sponsoring Hairy Handlebars, otherwise known as Ben and George, as they raise money for Movember, but with a twist. As well as growing some facial hair, the pair will be challenging themselves by cycling from London to Tokyo.

The duo hope to raise a whopping £30,000 for charity, with the cub hosting a fundraising event after their home game against Caldy on November 17th.

Esher RFC

Surrey-based Esher are advertising for a golf day named; Ride of the Legends. Raising money for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, participants will be golfing at Burhill Golf Club. Taking place this Friday, the event will be just one day before England face the All Blacks at Twickenham.

With a host of rugby legends present for the event as well, this promises to be a unique experience for anyone who attends. Starting at 7:30am, there will be bacon sandwiches, tea and coffee before it all tees off.

Loughborough Students RFC

Loughborough are doing their bit for Movember too. Hoping to beat their £2640 total from 2017, the student side are keen to stress how important mental health is for young men and are once again raising money this year.

National Two North

Hull Ionians

Hull Ionians are doing a novelty calendar, raising money for the Yorkshire Dandelion Society, a male cancer charity and the club itself. At £10 a calendar, all they money made will go towards a good cause. Perhaps the calendar will be a good Christmas present?

Preston Grasshoppers

Preston Grasshoppers are delving into their past, hoping to find relatives of the club’s founders. This is being done as part of the side’s 150-year celebrations and the club are hopeful of results. A lot of their founders were students at Cheltenham College, with the College’s records indicating that one of their house sides were called the Grasshoppers.

Stourbridge RFC

Stourton Park will be hosting a Ladies Lunch on Tuesday 20th November. For just £15 a head, guests will hear from Lee Benson – an author, photographer, watercolourist and former gallery owner – who will be telling all of his experiences.

National Two South

Dings Crusaders

Dings’ old boys will be doing a sponsored 10 mile walk in memory of former 1st team player John Thorne. Thorne was a two time 1st XV player of the year who sadly passed away after a battle with cancer. With all proceeds going to Macmillan, this is a really touching tribute to the club stalwart.

Guernsey Raiders

Like so may others this month, Guernsey are doing their bit for Movember as well. Raising money for the Ivy Trust, all proceeds will provide support to parents who have experienced the loss of a baby during pregnancy, or soon after birth.

Henley Hawks

Former Henley Hawk, Alec Hepburn, was the talk of the club this weekend as the loosehead started his first international for England. Spotted playing for the club in the 2008/09 season, it is his Henley education that started the props journey to international rugby.