On Saturday 11th March our club held its third-ever Player Reunion Lunch
Last held in 2016, the event allowed past players and officials of the club to gather and reminisce over lunch before our 1st XV took to the field for their winning match against Bournemouth RFC.
The original idea for a reunion event dates back to the late “noughties”. The inaugural reunion lunch took place at our old Stoneover Lane ground on 13th March 2010. The second reunion took place on St. George’s Day, 2016. The ex-players then took an unbelievable 7 years to gather again, with the third reunion being delayed by an elongated lockdown.
Over lunch, guests were entertained with anecdotes, stories and rugby tour memories from George Loughlin, Alec Adams, Ian Chard, Alex Norcross and John Ricketts.
There was also a rare opportunity for a group photograph of club captains past and present:
Back row: Mark Roshier (2003-2004), Kevin Griffiths (1988-1989), Stuart Pryde (1987-1988), John Ricketts (1994-1998), Steve Bloomer (1993-1994), Tim Gallimore (2013-2015), Nick Parker (2012-2013).
Front row: Dave Floyd (2004-2010, 1998-1999), Steve Milner (1990-1991), Hamish Forbes-Keith (1976-1977), Ian Midson (1977-1979, 1981-1982), Gavin Ougan (2018-present), Brian Smith (1980-1981), George Loughlin (1991-1992), Dave Edwards.
Many thanks to George Loughlin who drove the organisation of this event to ensure it all happened; to all attendees who travelled from far and wide to catch up with old friends and teammates; and especially to everyone who worked so hard behind the scenes to make the reunion such a success.
