How Hugo the bullock's poo added up to a £9,000 windfall for rugby club coffers
“It’s a testament to the Fylde family that they’ll get behind something as quirky as this”
The rugby season, has ended, butat Fylde RFC, the real drama was just beginning.
In a post-match spectacle which was equal parts tense and absurd, Hugo, a 500kg Highland bullock, took to the main pitch at the Woodlands ground to decide the fate of the club’s £50,000 transformation fund with his bowel habits.
The result? A decisive "deposit" which saw the club raise over £9,000 toward its crucial pitch renovations.
In a masterclass of community spirit and rural patience, more than 800 Fylde fans stayed on to witness ‘Bullock Bingo’ first hand.
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The hallowed turf had been divided into 9,400 squares, each representing a £5 stake in the club’s future.
After around 90 minutes wandering, Hugo made his mark, securing a windfall for one lucky supporter.
The winner of the grand prize was Kayleigh Collins from Lytham, who won more than £1,000 after correctly predicting exactly where Hugo would choose to "lighten the load".
Anthony Hoskisson, president of Fylde Rugby Club, reflected on the afternoon’s success: “We asked the community to buy into a bit of madness for a serious cause, and they didn’t disappoint.
“Our pitches are the lifeblood of this club - from the first-team stars to the 450 juniors in our foundation.
“To raise over £9,000 in a single afternoon is a massive win. It’s a testament to the Fylde family that they’ll get behind something as quirky as this to ensure our players have an elite-level surface for years to come.
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“Hugo was the star of the show, though I suspect he’s the only one who didn’t feel the pressure of the moment.”
The funds, raised in partnership with Pembertons Farm Shop and Dairy, are earmarked for an extensive off-season maintenance program.
That includes professional-grade resurfacing and drainage improvements across three pitches to ensure the club remains a year-round hub for Lancashire rugby.
Anthony added: “While the 'Bullock Bingo' was the season's most eccentric highlight, the mission continues. The £9,000 raised provides a significant boost toward the £50,000 target, ensuring the 'heartbeat of the club' stays strong.
“I think our fundraiser captured the imagination and it proves that, when it comes to securing the future of local rugby, Fylde isn't afraid to get its hands - or its pitches - a little dirty.”