TWO rugby players from Wilmslow have taken part in a game which lasted an incredible 31 hours to raise money for two charities.

Craig Monaghan and Jason New played for the Fire Fighters Charity team in its record-breaking game against a side from Scotty's Little Soldiers from 8am on Friday, May 12.

The teams played at Sixways, the home of Premiership rugby team Worcester Warriors, until 3pm the following day, to raise more than £50,000 for the two charities.

It was the second time Craig, 26, took part in the event – beating his old record of 24 hours 51 minutes.

“I was better prepared for it mentally this time,” he told the Guardian.

“The first time I did it I wasn’t prepared at all, but this time I knew I would be on the pitch for a long time whether I liked it or not.

“The banter between the two sides helped us get through, and I knew some of the guys on the other team so that helped."

Craig and Jason contributed 270 points towards the Fire Fighters Charity's total of 1603, beating Scotty's Little Soldiers, who mustered 1,483.

Players on both sides picked up several injuries along the way – with one player even requiring treatment from an air ambulance.

Craig said: "I could crack on with being tired and in pain, but it was the hunger that I struggled with most.

“I broke my toe fairly early on, then at about 10pm I tore my quad. I couldn’t feel my lower body by the end of the game.

"Nandos brought 46 meals down for us though, and we had 1,500 Jaffa Cakes. I'm the world’s biggest Jaffa Cake fan that was good."

Craig, who served in Afghanistan from 2006 to 2013, plays for England Deaf Rugby, but that wasn't enough to prepare him for the gruelling feat.

"The game lasted for 31 hours, and we didn't stop for a break in the first six," Craig added.

"But we had enough players to make sure no one played less than 24 hours and no one played more than 28.

"Jason had done some running training ahead of the game, but I relied on my usual training.

"I was still aching a week later. I play sport to quite a high level and thought that would prepare me for it, but nothing can prepare you for that."