HADLEIGH received a signed shirt from Guinness Premiership side Northampton Saints at the weekend, to help the struggling club raise funds.The shirt, signed by first-team members such as Ben Cohen and Carlos Spencer, will be raffled off by the club, in order to raise some much needed cash.

HADLEIGH received a signed shirt from Guinness Premiership side Northampton Saints at the weekend, to help the struggling club raise funds.

The shirt, signed by first-team members such as Ben Cohen and Carlos Spencer, will be raffled off by the club, in order to raise some much needed cash.

Hadleigh chairman John Halls said: “We are grateful to Northampton for donating this shirt, and it's great to think that, despite the obvious gulf between the two clubs, that such sportsmanship still exists in the sport.

“The club is also grateful to Dave Carey, who organised for the shirt to be donated.”

Hadleigh have had one of their most unlucky seasons to date, which began with the loss of key first-team players. Despite this, and poor results in London 3 North East, spirit and passion at the Layham Road club is still in abundance.

Northampton have had an equally frustrating season in the premiership, most recently losing 14-8 to table-topping Bristol at Franklin's Gardens, despite Cohen scoring his 100th try for the club. They currently sit second from bottom in the Premiership.

Saints community officer Ross Stewart said: “ It is sad to hear of the troubles Hadleigh are facing this season, and Northampton are more than happy to offer their help. We hope that the donated shirt will help to raise much needed funds that will help during this transitional period. Northampton wishes Hadleigh RFC all the best for the future, both on, and off the pitch.”

The draw for the raffle will take place on Saturday, February 17, at Layham Road Sports Ground, following the 1st XV's home match against Diss. Tickets are available to non-members, and are available from the club bar, priced at £5 for a strip of five tickets.