On Saturday 14th January 2012 Preston Grasshoppers Rugby Club held a cider tasting event in aid of CRY. The champion cider was the Corporal Punishment Brew created by Mike Lough and the event raised £251.83.

“Following the inaugural cider tasting event in 2008 in aid of C-R-Y, five seasoned brewers were yet again willing to take on the eager public who were keen on sampling a variety of ciders. The brewers roll-call being Mark Murray, Dave Preston, Tom Moore, Mike Lough & Craig McIntyre

Yet again the standards were high (according to each individual brewer!), and with Macners making its second appearance at this event, it was joined by some new varieties including Corporal Punishment, Old Tom’s Suicider, Berry’s Berries and The Clear One. The event was held directly after Preston Grasshopper’s home victory against Bromsgrove and both spectators and players were in celebratory mood, with the fine ciders on display being just the tonic their delicate palates required. Yet again, cheese was on offer as Mike Lough (one of the cider brewers) kept on producing never ending supplies of Wensleydale.

Approximately 60 people took part in the tasting, each kindly donating a suggested minimum of £3 to “buy” a tasting glass. This raised a grand total of £251.83!

At the end of the tasting, the champion cider was selected (i.e the most tastiest), and this was won by Mike Lough for his Corporal Punishment brew. Aptly the trophy was awarded to by the Colonel of the 4th Battalion, Duke Of Lancashire Regiment, who was guest of honour at the club during the afternoon’s rugby match.

Overall, it was another hugely successful event, and it is still hoped that this will become an annual event.”

Craig McIntyre