A club at the heart of the St Ives community has celebrated the support it has received from the business community this season.

St Ives Rugby Club held to a special celebration day at its grounds at Alexandra Road on Saturday, March 1, where volunteers and sponsors were welcomed with lunch before enjoying the “Hakes” win their home match against Plymstock Oaks RFC.

This year has seen 40 businesses partner with the club in a range of ways – from funds raised via advertising boards and kit sponsorship, through to services donated as gifts in kind.

Not only has this helped the club financially, but it has also brought more visitors to the grounds to enjoy matches and add to the atmosphere, as sponsors are welcomed to home matches with free entry and discounts at the busy clubhouse bar.

Russell Baragwanath, St Ives RFC chair said:“We are extremely grateful to all of our business supporters this season. Inviting them to a special lunch is just a small way that we can show our appreciation. We were delighted so many of them could attend on the day so that we could thank them in person. We would like to extend those thanks to each and every one of our business partners who help to keep our club running”.

It is an exciting time for St Ives RFC, with planned developments to improve the grounds and clubhouse, supporting players and providing better facilities for those who visit. The Club now welcomes over 40 sponsorship deals, from businesses throughout St Ives and further afield, as well as businesses that operate throughout the county and beyond.

Russell continued: “The Hakes now have 2 men's teams competing in the league structure and the mini and youth section continues to grow. We aim to provide a warm welcome to the hundreds of supporters and parents who come to the club on a regular basis. The combined audiences of players and supporters, added to visitors parking here is significant and we have been pleased to utilise this footfall to help promote businesses that support our club.”