Seven decades of former players recently watched the Cockles win over old foe Devonport Services, a stunning day of great rugby, food, beers, laughs, memories with a few songs late into the evening.
Throughout the whole day, close to 100 players were vocal in their support. Some of them even made it back on the pitch. Someone remarked that this slightly heavier pitch invasion helped flatten the surface for a speedy second half.
So many shared stories with some from the boys that are the very DNA of Exmouth Rugby Club. It was such an incredible turnout including Mick Bamsey, Terry Heard from the 1960’s through to Stan Jordan, Tufty Coombes, Geoff Mills, Mike Oliver, Gary Sharland, Kevin Cornall, Nick Tucket, Phil Turley, Russ Wardle, Roger Woodford, Kes Kesteven, Jonny Boltrukiewicz, Dan ‘Action Man’ Wilton, Mark ‘Doomer’ Rowsell, just a few players, too many to name them all.
Former first-team captain from 1992 and current Chair Ian ‘Butch’ Harris said: !”Our huge thanks to all players who made it to the club and those who made it happen on the day, including John Justice, Mike Loaring with Jon Stone keeping in contact with lads.
“Our superb hospitality team keeping all the hungry and thirsty guests topped up. Great to see the gathering of Cup Winning Colts from 25 years ago. To all those that couldn’t make it this time, we’ll see you on the next run. We’re heading to 150 years of Exmouth Rugby, so there will be plenty of varied events to come.”
Elsewhere at the club, Exmouth RFC has joined the Wooden Spoon’s Partner Club Programme, which is the children's charity of rugby. It is where the rugby community comes together to raise money to fund life-changing projects to help disadvantaged children.
Ian Harris added: “This is a thrilling partnership for the Cockles. We have, and will continue, to support a number of charities and Wooden Spoon, as a children’s charity, is close to our hearts and we look forward to raising awareness with support through a number of events and activities at Exmouth Rugby.
"Local children’s groups could benefit with a grant from Wooden Spoon whose aim is to transform the lives of vulnerable children and young people. Our recent Past Players Day drew a donation of several hundred pounds to kick things off.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here