Sports Clubs
Old Blues Rugby Football Club
Reunions of Old Blue Rugby Stalwarts from the Sixties
2011 is proving to be a remarkable year for gatherings of those who played rugby for the Old Blues in the sixties. Back then, the fixture list was truly impressive, with matches against leading clubs including Gloucester, Bath, and Saracens, and the opportunity to re-live past glories with friends not seen for 40 years attracted large numbers of Old Blue players from that era.
The first such occasion was the 7th May reunion of 24 Old Blues who had played against Gloucester from 1957 to 1970. Organised by Mike Pickard, a lunch in the Legends Lounge at the Kingsholm Ground was followed by an enjoyable gathering in the Stand to watch Gloucester beat Sale by 68 points to 17.
One notable absentee from the Gloucester reunion was Derek Mumford, captain of the Old Blues from 1965 to 1967, who has lived in the USA since the early seventies. When it was found that he could make it here in October, word got around his contemporaries and as many as 35 Old Blues attended a lunch on 14th October at Brown’s Courtrooms in central London. It was extraordinary to see how quickly conversation stripped away the years with memories of the tries and tackles of yesteryear.
Finally, it was announced at this gathering that in December Geoff Hines, Old Blue, Oxford Blue and England trialist, would be visiting from Queensland, where he has lived for 30+ years. He had expressed a keenness to meet his old friends and colleagues, so a third rugby reunion will be held, this time at Motspur Park on Saturday 10th December. Lunch will be served at 12.30pm and kick-off for the Old Blues’ match against Winchester will be at 2.15pm.
All are welcome, but to help with catering please let Bryan Hall know at bcmhall@yahoo.co.uk
OBRFC Reunion Match Review
The Old Blues RFC has at least two formal reunion matches a season, and the latest was at the club at Motspur Park on 17th November. We had a good turn out with several generations of ex players attending. The picture shows just a few of the revellers after the matches (the 1st XV beat Sutton & Epsom 2nds 46-0 and the 2nds drew 19-19 against Wimbledon who are two to three Leagues above).
From left to right are Stephen ‘Dulwich’ Quest, Tim Skinner, Steve Webb, Bryan Hall, Dick Seekins, David Maxwell, Ian ‘Bullet’ Hoskins. David Maxwell flew over from Norway to attend so distance is no object. The next formal reunion match is on 12th April 2008, so put this in your diaries now. Supporters are always welcome so please check the web site for fixture details www.oldbluesrfc.com.
Those joining the reunion included Stephen Quest, David Maxwell, Ian Hoskins, Bob Betson, Keith Lugton, Maurice Hall, Jack Bangs, Roy Peters, Jeremy Staples, Chris Allen, Dick & Cheery Seekins, Steve & Liz Webb, David Bateson, Martin Steggals, Tim Stevens, Geoff Shelley, John Bresman, John Sweeney, Dickie Dickinson, Roy Dixon, Fred Grant, Jon "Baz" Sheehan, Tim Skinner & Bryan Hall
OBRFC Galleries
Galleries of various OBRFC teams are available to view in the Old Blues Gallery.
New Season for the Old Blues RFC
For a full fixture list, visit the OBRFC website.
