IT was perhaps fitting that honours should end even at Pandy Park, as teams led by former Wales aces Lloyd Burns and Rhys Thomas played out an entertaining draw in aid of charity.

On a very wet day in Cross Keys, sides packed with familiar faces from Welsh rugby went toe-to-toe in a fundraiser that eventually finished 27-27.

Of course, the most important thing was the money collected for the two chosen charities – Welsh Hearts for hooker Burns and the British Heart Foundation for tighthead prop Thomas.

Both men were forced to retire from rugby early because of heart conditions, something which Burns says has brought him and Thomas closer together.

The former Dragons players called on a number of old teammates to take part in the match, including the likes of Shaun Connor, Jason Forster, Steve ‘Jabba’ Jones and Barry Davies.

The weather might not have been on their side but Burns was thrilled with how the day went.

“It was brilliant,” he said. “The weather wasn’t very good at all but it didn’t stop everyone from turning up and having fun.

“It was a good game and quite competitive. There was some good rugby considering the conditions.

“Shaun Connor played particularly well, as did Sione Tu’ipulotu and Jamie Ringer.”

He added: “I was itching to get out there myself. I did go on and make a very poor attempt at a drop-goal, but it was great to catch up with some old friends and watch them play.

“There was talk after the game, especially from the boys involved, that it should be an annual event – that would be great for the charities.”