Despite their best efforts, Colne and Nelson Rugby Club were unable to complete a world record attempt over the weekend.
The 28-strong team had been hoping to hold a 32-hour game of touch rugby at Holt House as part of their fund-raising for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. But due to fatigue and a series of injuries, their dreams were thwarted at the 20th hour.
Adam Padgett (23), a main organiser of the event, whose brother Ryan (20) has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, said: “It is quite a rugby marathon, 20 hours, but some of us were gutted to be honest.
“There are some people who want to try again in 12 months, and I would be tempted.”
Players were supported throughout the day by family, friends and a number of well-wishers, including Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson.
Adam’s family, with the help of parents from the club’s junior section, put on a number of events to coincide with the match, such as a raffle, tombola and a cake stall. There were also games and activities for children to enjoy.
Mr Stephenson said: “I think it was a miraculous effort. I went to blow the whistle to start the rugby match at 10-30am. I went back at 10-30 in the evening, and 12 hours in they were still going remarkably hard at it, and it was still a very competitive game.
“I admire them all for trying – it’s a great cause and it was a great event. It is just sad they fell short this time.”
Although the team have not quite made it into Guinness World Record history, they have raised over £1,400 for their chosen charity.
Adam added: “It has been fantastic for raising money for charity.
“We have still got money coming in, and we have got the sportsman dinner for our rugby club coming up where we will be raffling stuff off. We are not giving up on that front.”
Colne and Nelson Rugby Club would like to thank all the sponsors who backed them in their record attempt. These included: Oddies, Sutcliffe Tools, Blakey’s, P A Leisure, McDonalds. Perrys, K Supplies, Hillendale, Louise’s Cakes, Farmhouse Biscuits, Whalley Golf Club, A1 Motor Stores, AMF Bowling, Invigorate Gym, Wacky Warehouse, JDM Garage, Barrowford Catering and Cheeky Northern Monkeys.