The match day sponsor was the Club's Honorary President Michael Copestake on a day when Mansfield Rugby Club started their 70th anniversary celebrations in earnest.

His first duty of the day at 1pm was to preside over a 70th anniversary game in which a Mansfield President's Vets XV played Southwell RFC Vets XV in a very enjoyable encounter showcasing everything that is good about rugby. Although the President's team secured the win, the score became irrelevant as both sides gave no quarter in a hugely entertaining game.

If that wasn't enough for a packed Eakring Road ground, what followed at 3pm was sure to satisfy an expectant crowd. Mansfield played host to an uncompromising and talented Littleborough RFC side who clearly came intent on winning. Unknown to each other and under the hot sun, both sides served up a thrilling National Cup Quarter Final that went into an exhausting extra time period.

A late score for Mansfield secured a second victory of the day for the club and sent the blue & whites into the Semi-Final next week. In selecting his player of the match President Copestake was unable to separate Dillon Goddard and Ollie Avison, so they shared the honours. See the website and local press for the full match report.

On a special day for the club, Honorary President Michael Copestake had this to say, "I'm so proud of what the club has achieved today. My thanks go to Southwell Rugby Club for providing us with such honorable opposition and to Littleborough Rugby Club for being such wonderful opposition and guests. Today has been the best advert for rugby and such a fitting way to start our 70th year celebrations. I'm also delighted at the support we have received here today".

As the celebrations continued long into the night, Club Chairman Andy Foster was keen to emphasise the role of President at the club and what it means to its members, "Being President of our club is a very great honour and is bestowed upon someone who has given years of selfless dedicated service to our club. Michael is the epitome of this having served on our committee for 47 years before his appointment as President. We are lucky to have him and grateful for his support today. With two wins, a packed ground and such a delightful atmosphere at the club I couldn't be more pleased for Michael that our 70th Anniversary President's Day could not have been any better for him".