CHARITY was the big winner as a bumper crowd packed into the Basingstoke Arena for a special game between the Basingstoke Bison All Stars and the Basingstoke Buffalo Select.

This was organised by Sandra Leary, who has been undergoing treatment and wanted to raise money for three small charities, Chemogiftbags, the Breast Care Unit and the chemo ward.

These are set to receive at least £2,000 each from the game, with the final figure expected to be even higher.

It was a great evening enjoyed by all at the venue, where for once the result did not matter, but just for the record it finished 10-10.

The teams included both past and present players from the Buffalo and the Bison.

The Buffalo team included both Sandra’s sons Neil and Michael. The game was played in great spirit as the players showed off their skills with some lovely passing moves and well taken goals.

There were also funny moments during the game, which saw referee Stefan Hogarth and Ciaran Long play act a fight and then the pair swapped shirts to give the ref a chance to play for the Bison.

Hogarth did return to refereeing duties later in the game and awarded a penalty shot for the Buffalo, which was scored thanks to the linesman moving the goal for the shooter.

After the game the players’ shirts were auctioned off to increase the money raised.

All in all Sandra’s Hockey Hugs for Cancer event was undoubtedly a great success, and enjoyed by all.