TOP rugby league players, a dance troupe and men in drag teamed up to raise a mountain of money for charity.

Staff at the Tenpin bowling alley at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre in Wrexham organised a fundraising night in aid of Beating Bowel Cancer.

Players from the Crusaders rugby league team were keen to offer their support.

The manager of Tenpin, Alistair Tonkiss, said: “It was a marvellous night and we are very grateful to the Crusaders for coming along and helping out as well as the young dancers from the town’s Urban Fusion dance group, who performed a stunning routing.

“As a company, £2 from every game played on the night is going to the charity and we have also been supported by Bouncy Boxing, who donated all their night’s takings, and Satin Glass, who provided customers with photo key-rings with all profits going to the charity.

“We are hoping to raise more than £1,700 on the night, the only down-side being my assistant manager Phil Groom and myself agreed to play some of the Crusaders players while dressed as women – for a donation of course.”

Matthew Pritchard, community manager for the Crusaders, said: “The lads are always keen to support community events and this was no exception.

“Even our three or four injured players came along to offer their support, despite having to watch as their injuries meant they were unable to play.”

Back row Jason Chan, 26, even took along his own bowling ball.

The Australian back-row said: “I wanted to give 100 per cent. After all, it’s for a really good cause.

“The lads thought I must be some kind of professional when I turned up with my own bowling ball.

“However, what they don’t know is I bought it for seven quid from a charity shop earlier in the day!”

Ben Flowers, 22, who plays in the Crusaders’ front row, said: “It’s for a really good cause as bowel cancer kills far too many people. If we can raise awareness as well as a few quid to support the charity then that has to be a good thing.”

Vicky Rowlands, who manages and trains the Urban Fusion dancers, said: “We love performing at events and really enjoyed the night at Tenpin.

“Like the Crusaders, we were really happy to support the event which was raising money for a really good cause.”