News

Phoenix and Sport Relief are winners

Monday, 17th July 2006

Saturday saw Sport Relief hit Manchester and the Manchester Phoenix played their part in raising smiles, funds and indeed their first victory of the season. 

In the sweltering heat of the Cathedral Gardens, Phoenix MD Neil Morris and recent signing James Hutchinson took on the might of Manchester City and the Manchester Titans American Football clubs in a Challenge Contest of ice sculpturing – on behalf of United Utilities. 

Despite being outnumbered by the depth of numbers of their opponents’ squads, Morris and Hutchie showed that when it comes to matters involving ice, the Phoenix are way out in front. Tasked with turning a block of ice into a horses’ head, the Phoenix pair were suitably encouraged by the ever-present bunch of hockey fans and they rose to the challenge magnificently. 

With the outcome dependant upon the vote from the hundreds of sports fans gathered for the event, there were some nervous moments while the sculptures were evaluated but, in the end it was a formality as City’s soccer stars and the Titans yielded victory to the Phoenix pairing. 

Morris commented, “It was an honour for our club to be invited to take part in Sport Relief and we hope we helped raise a fantastic sum for a great cause.” 

Geordie-born James Hutchinson quipped, “It was a bit daunting at first, there just being the two of us but, it’s not about the numbers, it’s about the quality – good job the full squad wasn’t here, we might have made the full horse and ridden off on it.”