A WELL-attended Race Night at Cheriton Bishop Village Hall raised a fantastic £984 towards the £10,500 a young rugby player needs to follow his dream of a future in the game.

Twenty-years-old James Bowden of Crockernwell started playing rugby as a seven-year-old at Crediton, then at Okehampton and has now had two seasons with North Tawton Rugby Club’s Firsts.

He has been offered a place at Wayne State University in Nebraska which he could take up in September, but needs to raise £10,500 first. Rugby would be his main subject.

This all happened after James went for trials with FirstPoint. It would initially be a two-year course with an option for two further years.

Although James has a Crowdfunding page, the Race Night was the first big fundraising event. The family is planning an 80’s cover night later.

Refreshments were organised and made by James’ mum, Di Bowden and her mum, Carol Brown of Crediton. James works in the family firm of D Bowden Contracting. He has two sisters.

There was an amazing raffle at the Race Night, with most of the prizes donated by local firms including a signed ball from Exeter Chiefs.

James and his family thank everyone who helped raise the funds that evening.