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Chelmsford 1st XV fixtures 2009/10

London 2 North East

*National Intermediate Cup

Chelmsford 0 Saffron Walden 26

This was an unacceptably poor performance from Chelmsford, who were completely devoid of any ideas, fight, passion, leadership and tactical awareness. It is difficult to come up with any positives at all from this game. Whilst they lost 3 players from the previous week's game due to injuries, including influential centre, Guthrie Holliday, more performances like this will see the side slip even further into the relegation mire. With such a small and inexperienced squad which has now been depleted even more so by injuries, only the current set of players can put matters right. This can only be done by sticking together, putting matters right at training and playing to the game plan.
The difference between the two sides was that Saffron Walden had a game plan, whereas Chelmsford didn't, their field kicking was much more decisive and their handling, especially in the backs was much superior to that of the home side. Chelmsford were guilty of not getting the ball away quickly from set piece play and the breakdowns to put any pressure on their opponents. The visitors back row ran strongly from the base of the scrum and time and again made inroads through the Chelmsford defence. Apart from a 15 minute spell in the first half when the Chelmsford forwards had some momentum going forward, that was the end of game as far as the host's were concerned.
The atrocious conditions meant that it would be a game of two halves, Saffron Walden had the slope and very strong wind in their favour and from as little as the 4th minute they were awarded a try deep inside the Chelmsford 22 when they scored a converted try from a line out, followed by a catch and drive. Ten minutes later Chelmsford had their best chance of the game following some concerted pressure in the host's 22 metre area, but the final pass was dropped with the try line begging. Chelmsford managed to hold out for 35 minutes , however in the space of 3 minutes the game was effectively over, when lapses in concentration and individual errors saw Saffron Walden score two further converted tries to take them into a match winning lead of 21 - 0. Credit must be given to the Walden fly half who converted all 3 of their tries, from wide out and in dreadful conditions.

The second half saw Jack Venn and Nick Archer being substituted by Matt Atkinson and Paul Foster, however, with the elements in their favour Chelmsford needed to play the game in their opponents half, thus exerting pressure on them and dictating the pace of the game, sadly for them this never materialsed and it was the visitors who kept the pressure on with some good clearance kicks up the slope, working the ball to the blindside and counter attacking from deep inside Chelmsford's half. With 7 minutes remaining on the clock it came as no surprise when Saffron Walden increased the lead from a kick ahead. Full back Dan Trayler unfortunately slipped whilst trying to retrieve the ball and the visitors won the race to the line for a further try, outsprinting the Chelmsford cover defence to win deservedly by 26 points to nil.

Coach Eddie Gooby apologised to the supporters after the game and promised that there would be changes for next week's Cup game at Sudbury. He said "all I can do is promise that we will work harder and face some home truths over the coming weeks, after that performance nobody from 1 to 15 is guaranteed a place, and the young players will get their chance this coming weekend."
The Intermediate Cup game which is away against Sudbury, kicks off at 2.30pm.

Enfield 19 Chelmsford 17

Chelmsford had this match under control for most of the game, and leading 17 - 6 were looking forward to securing their first league win for five matches, but a misplaced clearance kick late on in the game which went straight into the hands of the opposition resulted in a converted try for the hosts and from this the momentum of the game changed and 10 minutes from the end the visitors were penalised for off side and from 30 metres out the home side's full back slotted the kick between the posts to hand Enfield victory, despite being outscored by 3 tries to one. With 3 minutes of playing time left, Chelmsford still had the chance to win this game when they were awarded a penalty from a wide angle, but for some inexplicable reason they close to tap the ball and run, and despite pressure on their opponents line they couldn't get the match winning score.

Enfield had a big pack of forwards and were superior in height and weight to the young Chelmsford pack. All the early pressure was from the hosts and as early as the 4th minute they took the lead when Chelmsford were penalised for taking the man out without the ball. The hosts duly converted this. Shortly after this Chelmsford had the chance to draw level from a penalty, but the kick was wide. Minutes later, however, Chelmsford put some pressure on the hosts line and whilst there was a scuffle between 4 or 5 players, Chelmsford took advantage of this and spun the ball wide for Andrew Triggs to force his way over the line for an unconverted try.

By this time Chelmsford were beginning to compete with the Enfield forwards and the side began to display their potential, Enfield gave away a series of penalties and from these Chelmsford scored a well worked try from debutant substitute, Rob Manlove, who earlier replaced Jamie Choules. Chelmsford were now leading 10 -3 as the half came to a conclusion, but from the kick off Chelmsford were caught napping and loose play allowed Enfield to camp near to their line and the hosts were unlucky not to score a try. On the stroke of half time, Chelmsford were penalised for off side and Enfield reduced the arrears to 3 points.

Just into the second half, Alex Deacon limped off to be replaced by Paul Foster. The pattern of the game now would be for the hosts to take advantage of the slight breeze in their favour and kick deep into Chelmsford's half and play the game there, however solid defence by Chelmsford kept the home side at bay and the visitors were not afraid to counter attack. From one of these, Mike Mullings made a good break along the wing, but was high tackled. A quick tap penalty was taken and the ball was spun out to Guthrie Holliday, who made one of his trademark runs, which saw him break through the Enfield cover defence to score a converted try under the posts. With the score now 17 -6 Chelmsford were now well in command of the game and were playing the more controlled rugby, and Enfield never looked likely to breach the Chelmsford line.

Unfortunately for the visitors a misdirected clearance kick went straight to the opposition's hands and for the first time in the match, Chelmsford's defence was found wanting and some good inter-passing by the Enfield backs down the left hand side enabled them to run in a try behind the posts which was duly converted try. The score was now 17 - 16 to Chelmsford and with Enfield in the ascendancy, they were awarded a penalty which clinched the match for them.

This was a hugely disappointing result for Chelmsford, who had the game sewn up, but some lapses of concentration cost them dearly. Eddie Gooby said that the side must play to the game plan, otherwise they are going to get sucked into a relegation battle, playing better rugby than the opposition doesn't mean anything unless you come away with a win. Once again the young players stood up well and those that have moved up from the second team have showed they belong there and will continue to play a big part over the coming weeks.
This Saturday's home game against fellow strugglers, Saffron Walden, will prove to be a big test of character for the squad. Kick off is at 2.30pm.

Finchley 22 Chelmsford 24
National Intermediate Cup

Chelmsford took the field with a much changed side featuring a number of colts and young players. Steve Allen took on the mantle of captain and led his young side to an exciting victory in the second round cup match at Finchley.

Throughout the match Chelmsford got on the wrong end of the referees whistle, a feature they must eliminate from their game if progress is going to be made this season. Chelmsford were penalised for handling in the ruck penalty when Finchley gained the lead, a quick penalty was a awarded and Chelmsford were caught short in the defence to allow a try by the Finchley fly half under the posts which was duly converted. This was quickly followed by a charged down kick which led to another try for the Finchley winger. At 12-0 down it looked ominous for the young Chelmsford side. Allen and his pack did not panic and following prolonged pressure and a forward drive, Allen himself, plunged over for a try converted by Foster. The game has begun to change and the Chelmsford team were beginning to dominate their opposition, especially in the scrum. Half-time saw Chelmsford still trailing 12-7

Immediately after half time Chelmsford drew level, following excellent work from the forwards. Alex Deacon with plenty to do, burst down the wing to score an unconverted try in the corner. Chelmsford again started giving away penalties, Finchley had several attempts to kick these,luckily for Chelmsford, only one was scored to make the score 12-15. The Chelmsford forwards again came to the fore, and a rolling maul allowed Gilbert Kigude to score a hard worked try which Foster converted. At 15-19 in Chelmsford's favour the away team came under intense pressure and Finchley lodged themselves on the Chelmsford line for several minutes. From the a five yard scrum the Chelmsford pack turned the scrum, the ball went loose and Alex Deacon picked up the ball with a full ninety yards in front of him. Alex, showing great pace and went for the line with the Finchley defence bearing down on him, and with Chelmsford supporters shouting him on, he just made the try line, plunging over in the corner to make it 24-15

Finchley to their credit, came back at Chelmsford immediately, and from another penalty scored a final converted try. Chelmsford managed to see the final few minutes of play out without incident. Coach Eddie Gooby said after the game that he was delighted with his young side and how captain for the day, Steve Allen had kept the team going. 'A number of these youngsters will see more first team action in the following weeks' said Gooby. The next weeks will see league action resume when Chelmsford travel to Enfield

Chelmsford 15 Romford & GP 16

Chelmsford put in a much improved performance on the previous week and on the balance of play were perhaps slightly unlucky to lose a tight match by the one point. The Chelmsford side was much changed from the game at Harlow, due in the main to injuries and a bout of sickness sweeping through the club. Nevertheless the side can be proud of the effort, commitment and enthusiasm they showed and if they had taken their chances, particularly late on in the game, they would have come away with the 2 points.

A very youthful Chelmsford side took the field, particularly in the backs, where the average age was just 21. The home side played up the slope and into the wind and they knew if they could contain the bigger and more physical Romford pack, they had a chance to win this match. An early penalty for not releasing the ball fell to Romford and their fly half, who played well throughout the match, duly obliged with the kick. Andrew Triggs, playing at fly half for the first time put in some good touch kicks to the blind side and the pattern of play was emerging with Chelmsford keeping the ball tight and working the touch. Guthrie Holliday who is emerging this season as a key player in the midfield, once again showed some forceful running. Chelmsford drew level when Romford were penalised and full back Dan Trayler scored from 40 metres out. The Chelmsford pack were contesting the line outs and the set scrums, even managing to take two strikes against the head and most important they were putting the tackles in, something which they failed to do the previous week.

With the scores being level at half time, Chelmsford knew they could take the game to their opponents, however, just a couple of minutes into the half Chelmsford cleared the ball from their own 22, but unfortunately for them the ball was carried in, so for the next 5 minutes Romford pressed the Chelmsford line. They got over the line, only for the ball to be held up, but from the resultant scrum the ball went down their back line and was brought back inside, from which their centre ran unopposed to score an unconverted try. The home side struck back when from a line out the ball was sped down the back line by Jamie Fairchild and a gap ensued, resulting in Holliday touching down under the posts for a converted try. Chelmsford now lead 10 - 8, but minutes after this Romford took the lead once again when Chelmsford were penalised. A further mistake by Chelmsford, when they should have cleared the ball to touch led to Romford's next try. A chip kick was charged down by Romford and their fly half gathered the ball and the visitors went over for an unconverted try to increase their lead to 10 - 16.

With just over 10 minutes to go the ball was fed to winger Lee Macleod, who made ground into the Romford 22, he then passed the ball inside whereupon Chelmsford scored a try, only for it to be disallowed when the winger was adjudged to have been in touch when making the final pass. With just 7 minutes remaining on the clock Chelmsford made amends for this when a clearance kick was caught by Macleod, he then passed the ball inside to Holliday, who once again made another strong break and with Trayler in support on his outside passed the ball to him, whereupon the full back scored. Unfortunately the conversion was missed. Despite this Chelmsford had two chances late on in the game to score from penalty kicks, both difficult ones, but Trayler missed from the first and with Romford being penalised for a high tackle, Triggs had the chance to seal the game for Chelmsford, but he missed with his kick, which then led to the final whistle being blown by the referee.

Chelmsford coach, Eddie Gooby was naturally proud of the team, "with all the problems we had in putting a team on the field, injuries coupled with a flu virus disrupted our preparations, but despite this we pushed a very good Romford side to the last few seconds and if luck had gone our way with the kicks then we could have won. The most positive aspect for me was that out of the squad of 18 who took the field, 13 of these were under 24, which can only bode well for the future."

This coming Saturday sees Chelmsford visit Finchley in the Intermediate Cup, normal league action resumes on November 7th when the side visits Enfield Ignations in what will prove to be an important game for both sides, Chelmsford will want to put an end to a run of 4 straight defeats, whilst Enfield will want to pull away from the bottom reaches of the league.

Harlow 23 Chelmsford 19

Despite a late fightback, led by Chelmsford substitute Dan Traylor, Chelmsford could not quite pull this game out of the bag and so extended their losing sequence to three matches.
Chelmsford must learn the lessons from this game very quickly, otherwise they are going to struggle against better teams than Harlow. Too many first time tackles were missed, thus allowing Harlow to run through gaps at will and costly mistakes were made in their own 22 metres area by trying to play attacking rugby instead of the simple basics of playing the ball back and making ground through clearance kicks to touch. Chelmsford simply do not have the calibre of players to play this type of game.

As soon as the first minute Harlow had a chance to score through an overlap, but their right wing fumbled the ball. For the next 10 minutes Chelmsford played the game in their opponents 22 metre area, but they failed to press home the advantage. After 15 minutes Chelmsford opened the scoring when Harlow dropped the ball in the centres and Andrew Triggs latched on to the loose ball and slipped it to his fellow centre partner, Guthrie Holliday who ran fully 40 metres to score underneath the posts. Paul Foster converted. Chelmsford were then penalised and Harlow decided to kick for touch rather than take the 3 points. Their decision was fully rewarded, however, when from a line out they took advantage of the rolling maul to score an unconverted try.

Harlow were desperately unlucky not to score again when Holliday made a try saving tackle just metres from the Harlow line. Minutes later Harlow made amends when they brought the ball back to the blindside and the Chelmsford defence was caught napping, with a try being scored in the right hand corner, taking them into a 13 - 7 lead. Five minutes before half time, Chelmsford tried to run the ball from their own 22 metre area, but lost possession and were subsequently penalised. Harlow took advantage of this and kicked the penalty to increase their lead to 6 points. Chelmsford managed to hang on till the referee's whistle went for half time.

The second half saw Harlow beginning to stretch the Chelmsford defence and their forwards made ground several times through the rolling maul. Instead of stopping the momentum of these, some of the Chelmsford forwards stood off, for reasons only known to themselves. It came as no surprise when Harlow ran through Chelmsford's flimsy defensive cover to score a converted try near the posts to bring to score to 20 - 7 in Harlow's favour. Shortly afterwards Chelmsford gave away a penalty for not rolling away and Harlow now had the game under control at 23 -7. Chelmsford brought on Dan Trayler at full back after an absence of a month with broken fingers, and his immediate presence on the field finally stirred the Chelmsford players into action. In the space of two minutes the cover defence was found wanting, but Trayler made two important try saving tackles and then he made a long range clearance kick to relieve the pressure on the side. This seemed to give Chelmsford some confidence in their ability.

Chelmsford were now awarded a penalty and from the resultant line out, Jim Cooke broke through the cover defence, and slipped the ball to substitute Jack Venn to score an unconverted try. Just two minutes later Chelmsford scored again when a good break by Venn resulted in Holliday making a searing break down the middle and he in turn slipped the ball out wide to Trayler who was on hand to score an excellent converted try. For all their final efforts Chelmsford couldn't manage a further score and Harlow ran out winners 23 - 19.

Chelmsford's Coach Eddie Gooby remained upbeat after the game, despite the loss, and the lack of first up tackling. He said that the key thing is not to let the frustration set in, we have to focus on the positives, in that we are creating lots of scoring chances and the structure of the game is solid. With Romford coming to Chelmsford on Saturday we need to be more decisive and control the game more in the opponents 22 metres area. We do not want to play catch up rugby or wait to be hurt on the scoreboard before responding.

Saturday sees Chelmsford play at home to Romford, kick off is at 3pm at Coronation Park. The game will be preceded by a VP's lunch at 1pm, all those interested in coming please contact Andy Green.

Chelmsford 19 Sudbury 30

This was a game which Chelmsford allowed to slip from their grasp in the first half. By that time they were 25-0 down and down to 14 players. Through grit and determination Chelmsford fought their way back and briefly looked as though they might force themselves back into the game, but the damage was already done. From the start playing up the slope Chelmsford quickly found themselves behind after a high tackle which led to a penalty being awarded to Sudbury. Ten minutes later Sudbury showed good handling between both the forwards and the backs, before their centre crashed over

Chelmsford fought their way back into the game and dominated both scrum and lineout. For a long period Chelmsford were within the opponents 22 metres. This pressure never led to points and totally against the run of the play the Sudbury winger grasped hold of a loose ball and sprinted 80 metres to score in the corner 15-0

At this stage Chelmsford should have tried to consolidate and slow the game down, knowing that if they could keep this score until half time then playing down the hill with the slope and the wind they would be in with a good chance of victory. This was not to be and within minutes of the restart the Chelmsford second row was sent off for throwing punches and from the ensuing penalty the Sudbury fly half made it 18-0

The Chelmsford side were rattled by this time, and it was no surprise that Sudbury scored another try wide out on the right wing making it 25-0 at half time.

With only 14 players, Chelmsford were not to be counted out and within 10 minutes of the restart, tries by Jamie Fairchild, and Guthrie Holliday had bought the score to 25-14. There looked as if a total reversal could occur, but Sudbury gradually forced their way back into the game and as the half progressed, looked more dangerous. As the Chelmsford side began to tire, the Sudbury backs got more and more ball, and relaying the ball again to the right wing, scored in the last minute by Mike Stallwood. Chelmsford scored the last, but unconverted try of the game, to make it 30-19

Coach Eddie Gooby said he was happy with the spirit and fight back in the second half, but there is a need to play more conservatively up the slope. Chelmsford allowed Sudbury too many counter attacking chances which they accepted gratefully. Next week sees Chelmsford travel to Harlow

Braintree 30 Chelmsford 7

Chelmsford were soundly beaten by their neighbours Braintree, thanks largely to an impressive first half display, which saw them go into the interval with a match winning lead of 25 - 7. The game itself was littered with mistakes and never flowed due in the main to a series of stoppages for minor injuries, which meant that both halves consisted of nearly 50 minutes. Even allowing for 6 changes to the side that comprehensively beat Mersea Island last week, the side failed to live up to it's promise.

Coach Eddie Gooby admitted after the game that it wasn't a good day for his team. He said " the players let themselves down in the first half by going against the game plan and the side played too much loose rugby against a team who thrive on turnover ball. Braintree took their chances better than ourselves, but credit to the players in the second half, they cut out the handling errors and dominated the game, but for all our efforts we couldn't score any points. The first two matches were good for us and I would rather look at this game in isolation. Our form has been good and provided we put in the effort at training over the next two weeks, then I am sure we will get back to winning ways in time for our next league game against Sudbury on 10th October. "

Braintree opened the scoring after just 5 minutes, Chelmsford were on the attack, but an interception try from fully half way saw Braintree score an unconverted try. Not to be outdone centre Guthrie Holliday, scored one of his cutting edge tries that he is noted for when he ran through the opposition defence to score a converted try. Immediately from the kick off Chelmsford were penalised when they had a player in front of the man carrying the ball. Braintree converted the kick to restore the lead to 8 - 7. They increased their lead to 4 points when Chelmsford were penalised for being offside. The latter period of the first half saw Braintree begin to exert pressure on the Chelmsford forwards and the home side should have scored when they crossed Chelmsford's line, only for them to drop the ball. A minute later, however, they made amends when for the first time in the match the Chelmsford scrum wilted under pressure and a pushover try ensued, duly converted by the home side. Jamie Choules retired with a leg injury and was replaced by Ed Williams. Just before half time, Chelmsford were caught napping out wide and Braintree scored their third try, again converted by the home side. This meant that Braintree went into the interval with a 25 - 7 lead.

Chelmsford started the half brightly with a sweeping move that saw winger Mike Mullings bundled into touch just short of the line. The visitors now spent 25 minutes in the Braintree half, and even allowing for persistent infringements by the home side, resulting in a yellow card being brandished, Chelmsford could not put points on the board, which is obviously an area of concern for the team. Holliday did get over the line, but unfortunately the ball was dropped. Late on in the game one of Braintree's substitutes was sent off for foul play offence. Even allowing for an extra man Chelmsford couldn't increase their score, debutant Andrew Triggs made some good runs, and did get the ball over the line, only for him to loose control of the ball as well. It was left to 14 man Braintree to score a further unconverted try in the corner to seal the win by 30 - 7.

To end on a positive note, in addition to Andrew Triggs, Chelmsford also gave a full debut to Jamie Hines, both young players with a bright future.

This coming weekend is a blank on the fixture list, so normal league action will recommence on Saturday October 10th when Chelmsford entertain Sudbury at home, kick off at 3pm. As usual the game will be preceded by a buffet at 1pm, all club members who are interested, then please come along at 1pm for some good food and a beer.

Chelmsford 43 Mersea 7


This was a comfortable win for the Chelmsford team. Director Coaching Eddie Gooby said after the game "we learned the lesson of last week when we let our opponents come back into the game when we had obtained a good lead. In this game we never allowed Mersea a glimmer of a chance".

The game began with Chelmsford choosing to play up the slope. It soon became apparent that in the scrum Chelmsford were dominant. It took fifteen minutes before Chelmsford had points on the board and it came from a fine move. The Chelmsford pack fed good ball to the backs, Foster at fly half threw a pass that missed his centre. The ball was relayed to Mike Mullins who went inside then outside the covering defence to score a try converted by Trayler.

A Penalty for offside allowed Trayler to make it 10-0. Mersea came back into the game at this stage, but good pressure by Holiday who charged down a clearing kick allowed Foster to run in unchallanged under the post for a converted try. This was the final try of the half and the half time score was 17-0.

The second half began without much structured play and a number of stoppages because of injury. A speculative kick from Mersea was fielded by Gutherie Holiday. From sixty yards out he went for the line beating five defenders before plunging over for a spectaular try which was unconverted.

For a brief period Mersea came back into the game and they scored a try from a rolling maul. This was to be their last score.

Gutherie playing in the centre, was without doubt man of the match, showed how difficult he is to put down by crashing through the Mersea defence to score two further tries. Gutherie's ability to stay on his feet and to go through gaps which do not seem possible, places him as a real match winner.

Finally just to show that both centres could make breaks Hawkins burst through the middle before feeding Gilbert to score the final score 43-7. Gilbert leaves the club, this week, as his job moves him away, he will be missed.

The first two league games have been comfortable wins for the Chelmsford team. Stiffer opposition is more likely next week when Chelmsford travel to Braintree.

Ipswich 12 Chelmsford 19

Chelmsford made a winning start to their campaign in the revamped, London Two North East League. With the nucleus of the squad from last season they eased into a 19 - 0 lead against their newly promoted opponents, only for them to sit back in the second half and allow Ipswich to come back at them.

Both sides started by testing each other out with touch kicks, but soon the pattern of the game developed with Chelmsford exercising control over their opponents, especially in the set pieces and it came as no surprise when they opened the scoring with flanker Gilbert Kiggudde forcing his way over in the corner from a driving maul after a clean take from a line out. Full back Dan Trayler made an excellent conversion. Ipswich found themselves on the wrong side of the referee on numerous occasions and were pinned back into their own half from the resultant penalty kicks. The only other score of the half was again from a driving maul and Kevin Prior dived over the line to score an unconverted try. On the stroke of half time, Chelmsford had a chance to increase their lead further when Dan Trayler narrowly missed with a penalty kick.
The second half began in similar fashion to the first half, with Chelmsford putting the pressure on Ipswich and after a series of penalties against the home side, the referee awarded a penalty try, duly converted by Dan Trayler. At the same time the referee yellow carded the Ipswich Number 4 for coming round the wrong side. Minutes later the home side were temporarily down to 13 men when Ipswich's blind side flanker was yellow carded for another series of persistent infringements.

At this stage of the game, Chelmsford should have exerted more pressure on their opponents, but for some reason seemed to take the foot off the pedal and allow their opponents to come back at them with two scores, the second being a long range effort from inside their half when Chelmsford were caught short in numbers out wide, thus allowing the Ipswich fly half to run through for an excellent try.

Whilst the result was not in doubt, Chelmsford need to show a greater commitment for the full 80 minutes of the game, otherwise better sides than Ipswich are going to make them pay. On the plus side, however, they can be well pleased with their scrummage, which was excellent throughout the game and the lineout and the defence was generally good. Ipswich contributed to their own downfall with poor ball retention and a number of handling errors and most importantly they conceded a great number of penalties and fell foul of the referee.

After the game, Chelmsford's Director of Coaching, Eddie Gooby was naturally pleased with the win, he said "it was the first time in 2 years that we had won our opening game, we dominated the game for long periods and when we got into the Ipswich half, we came away with points, something which we struggled to do last season. The team found the very hot conditions took their toll on us and in the last fifteen minutes we allowed Ipswich back into the game. We will be stronger after this game and if we can see out the last period of the game and keep our concentration in the coming weeks, we can build on this outstanding win."

Finally Chelmsford 4th XV beat Upminster 3rd by 32-18. This Saturday sees Chelmsford's first home league game against Mersea Island, kick off at 3pm. There will be a buffet for all Vice Presidents, before the match at 1pm, so please contact Andy Green on 01245 465436 should you wish to come along for pre match food, beer and a chat. Should any club members wish to come along, then they are most welcome.
Before the first XV game against Ipswich, there was a minutes silence observed by both teams, following the recent death of Roy Johnson, a vice president of the club. Roy was a very popular VP and a keen supporter of the club for a number of years. His presence on a Saturday will be sorely missed by both the players and spectators alike. Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife, Pat and the family.