Brockholes BC are celebrating an emotional win as newly-crowned Elland League Division Two champions.
The Holme Valley side have been playing in memory of their late captain and founder Paul Sykes – and have triumphed with two games to spare.
Not only that, but the clinching points in their match at Sowerby West End were secured by Paul’s wife Yeolande, with teammates running onto the green to celebrate the fitting finale.
And the team includes Paul’s father, David – who treated them all to a curry night celebration – and Paul’s son, Liam, who has taken over the captaincy.
The team was formed in 2010 and it was always Paul’s dream to win promotion to the top flight – but the team never quite seemed to make it.
Often they have ended up in mid-table and, last year, they only narrowly missed being relegated!
After Paul’s untimely death from cancer in January this year, the team vowed to try and achieve the promotion dream in his memory – and they’ve done so with terrific passion and great team spirit.
They have also been raising funds for the hospital where Paul was treated throughout 2015 – Weston Park Cancer Hospital in Sheffield.
Their efforts through football cards and collections have raised over £100 and this will be added to the total already raised by Pauls family, which so far stands at over £3,000.
Fundraisers have included a tandem sky dive involving Paul and Yeolande’s eldest son Gavin, a tea party, a 5k run and a raffle.
And they are holding a charity bowling competition at Brockholes on Sunday, August 28, to boost the total further, with the bar open and food available all day for spectators who would be welcome in big numbers.
