Following the tragic events in Manchester last week there was a minute's silence before the KO of the Lancashire v Cornwall County Final at Twickenham on Sunday.
To further recognise the close ties that Cornwall has with Lancashire, and the Cornwall RFU wishing to show unity and support for the people of Manchester and Lancashire , the Cornwall RFU President Mr Peter James presented the Lancashire RFU President, Mr Tom Fitzgerald,with 22 roses on the pitch at Twickenham.
The significance of the 22 red roses , is that the red rose is the emblem of Lancashire, 22 people tragically lost their lives in the atrocity and the rugby teams are made up of 22 players.Cornwall RFU asked that the Lancashire President lay the flowers at a suitable location in due course.
As promised the Lancashire President travelled to Manchester this evening and laid the flowers in St Anne's Square in Manchester. He was accompanied by Vice President Dave Clarke, Asst Secretary Brian Stott, Steve Collins , Senior County Player and Ken Andrews who is the Lancashire RFU Council Rep at Twickenham.
Below is the Poem that was placed with the flowers that was written by Steve Collins, the Senior County Player in the picture.
Many thanks to Cornwall for this very kind and thoughtful tribute to the people of Manchester and Lancashire.