Bath Rugby saw off the challenge of Bath City on the cricket field as the two sides contested a hugely supported charity game for ‘The Bashes’.

A well-spirited contest in the evening sunshine at Bath Cricket Club ended in a 14-run victory for the Blue, Black and White.

Hundreds flocked to North Parade for what is hoped to be the first edition of an annual contest.

A total of £660 was raised in donations for the respective clubs’ charities Bath Rugby Foundation and Bath City FC Foundation thanks to bucket collections, a raffle and barbecue.

“First and foremost it was an awesome event, well supported,” said Bath’s director of rugby Stuart Hooper.

“It was great to see so many supporters from both rugby and from Bath City there. Just chatting to the supporters now, Bath City supporters saying it’s amazing to connect with you guys and get something sorted.

“Just to have that many people here on a Tuesday night raising money for two great charities is brilliant. I just spoke to Jerry afterwards and we’ll do everything we can to put it on again next year.”

Batting first, Bath Rugby were 125-8 with three overs left but ended up all out for 150, with former hooker Rob Hawkins’ brutal hitting the pick of the bunch; leaving a required run rate of 7.55 per over.

The Romans were not far off the rate in the first half of their chase; hitting 77-5 off their first 11 overs.

Adam Mann, who had earlier taken a spectacular diving catch, smashed a huge six before retiring on the agreed figure of 25 runs and, with five overs left, his side needed 50 to win with four wickets in hand.

With three overs left that target was a tough ask of 33 but City couldn’t quite get there, falling short on 136.

Romans manager Jerry Gill said: “To see so many - 600 people plus - here today turning out to watch the rugby against the football guys at a cricket match, it’s fantastic.

“When we first talked about it we never thought this would happen. But to get so many people here for a really worthwhile cause is the most important thing.

“Of course the game was competitive, it always was going to be, and we’re disappointed to lose, but hopefully we can do this every year going forwards.

“It was really good fun, played in the right way as well, and we have to look forward to the rematch next season.”

Bath City manager Jerry Gill is bowled in a cricket match against Bath Rugby

Gill and the clubs also paid tribute to Mark Gunning, who put the two sides in touch.

“Sport is such an important thing in the city and it’s important we spread the word,” Gill added. “It’s not just about the two foundations, it’s about sport, young people getting involved in sport in the city.

“When we thought about, it the rugby, the football and the cricket, that’s three big things within the city that have helped us put this on.

He added: “A big thank you to the cricket club for putting on tonight, the weather’s been great, but what a great facility.”

Bath Rugby XI: Stuart Hooper (c), Girvan Dempsey, Andy Rock, Luke Charteris, Lee Mears, Rob Hawkins, Ryan Davis, Mark Lilley, Dan Cooper, Matt Egan, Matthew Watkins.

Bath City XI: Matt Bower, Ryan Brunt, Adam Mann, Tom Smith, Jim Rollo, Jerry Gill (c), Jordan Simpson, Kit Barnes, Jack Batten, Joe Raynes, Harvey Wiles-Richards