'We all follow the West Ham'

A team of Hammers' fans took to the field Down Under to play for the inaugural Dylan Tombides Cup against a select XI from the Crystal Palace supporters group.

Last month's match was an emotional day for all involved, and was played out in the spirit of the cause.

Organiser and participant, Kieran Foley, said: "The match was all about us remembering a young Aussie Hammer and showing our support the best way we can while being on the other side of the world.

"There was a serious message on the day, but the game was played in the right way. Everyone got on really well, and it was all handshakes and few beers at the end."

The two teams agreed to the fixture following the news of Dylan's passing in April after a brave battle with cancer.

The 20-year-old had fought the disease for three years after initially being diagnosed with testicular cancer in summer 2011.

In tribute to Dylan's amazing work away from the pitch in boosting awareness of male cancer, the supporters decided to raise money for the DT38 Foundation, a charity set up to enable young players to fulfil their potential, where without funding and support this would be impossible.

Image removed.

The management at the David Phillips Sports Field, in Daceyville, where the game was played, agreed to waive the pitch hire fee to allow the money to go towards the donation.

Hammers fan Dan Commons said although the day was about fun, there was also an important issue to get across.

"The day was about getting two overseas supporters' clubs to show their respects and help raise a bit of awareness around testicular cancer," he said.

"A lot of men don't get into detail about this sort of thing, so it's good to bring it out into the open a bit more.

"We all love the game, but unfortunately things happen that are out of our control and it puts everything into perspective. Being able to show our support really pushes it home and shows there's so much more to life."

The match itself was not one for the purists, but missed penalties, wonder strikes and finger-tip saves at both ends of the pitch provided plenty of entertainment for those on the side-lines who came to show their support.

Fittingly, the game finished 3-3, leaving both sides satisfied and ensuring the cup can sit pride of place at the Royal Exhibition Hotel - the home pub of both sets of fans, in Sydney.

Together, they raised more than $750 (£415) for the DT38 Foundation.

In 2012, Sydney Hammers' chairman Robbie Byrne met Dylan ahead of the home clash with Reading. Ever the gentleman, Dylan was good enough to record a personal message to the supporters group, which can be found here

The Sydney Hammers have previously supported Jonjo Heuerman's superb charity efforts, and hope to organise future charity events including a quiz night later in the year.

For more information about the Sydney Hammers, visit: http://www.sydneyhammers.com.au/

For a video from the day, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw8lcw9zPlU