The local community in Cadishead will come together this weekend for a day of rugby to remember Fusilier Simon Annis who was killed on active service in Afghanistan in 2009.
The 22-year-old was serving a six-month tour of duty with the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
He was on foot patrol advancing into Sangin in Helmand province on 16 August that year when a explosion severely wounded his section commander Lance Corporal Jamie Fullarton.
Fusilier Annis, along with comrade Fusilier Louis Carter, 18, rushed forward to carry L/Cpl Fullarton to safety on a stretcher.
A second roadside bomb was triggered which tragically killed all three men.
Since his death the Simon Annis Cup has been held annually at Cadishead Rhinos, where Simon had played as a boy.
Langworthy Reds will face off against the Rhinos for this sixth annual contest on Saturday 8 August.
Simon started playing for the club from the age of 12, coming through the junior ranks under the coaching of Steve Guy and Dave Head and following in the footsteps of his parents who both played for the men’s open-age and women’s teams.
By Paul Rittaler Photography
The day itself is without doubt the biggest game of the year for Cadishead Rhinos, steeped in memories and history, a day that in itself is turning into a massive event in the local community.
On the day there will be lots of rugby league to entertain the crowds as the juniors kick the day off in their first competitive tackling match-up with a 12.30 kick off.
There will be a BBQ, bouncy castle, various stalls and a raffle with prizes.
Other prizes include VIP matchday tickets to a Salford Red Devils game of your choice and a chance to walk down Coronation Street’s famous cobbles and much more.
To round off the day is the big match which kicks off at 2:30pm.
It promises to be a huge event and all support is welcomed so head down this Saturday to Cadishead recreation ground, Lord street, Cadishead, and cheer on the memory of a fallen hero.
