Death On The Rugby Pitch

WORTHING Rugby Club stalwart Alistair Orr-Ewing died after collapsing as he ran the line at the club's Angmering headquarters during a vital promotion clash.

The much-loved father-of-two was running the line at Saturday's clash with Brighton, when he suddenly waved down the referee because he felt chest pains.

While ambulance staff and the match medical team tried to resuscitate Mr Orr-Ewing, 50, of Bolsover Road, Goring, the fixture was moved to another pitch.

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Sadly, before Worthing players claimed a 24-0 victory at the Roundstone Lane ground, Angmering, the club was stunned by the news that Mr Orr-Ewing had died.

Club spokesman Mike Perring said Mr Orr-Ewing, being such a committed supporter, would have wanted the match to continue.

"I can quite categorically state, we are absolutely devastated," said Mr Perring.

"He was a 110 per cent club man."

Mr Orr-Ewing first came to Worthing rugby club when his son David, now 19, joined the under eights mini-team. Within a season, the sporting dad had become the minis' coach.

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He also worked hard as the club's membership secretary and helped organise a number of rugby festivals.

"Alistair turned his hand to anything," said Mr Perring. He was much-loved and very, very popular I hate to think how many will turn up for the funeral."

Talking about Saturday's match, Mr Perring said: "When we realised his condition was more serious than we thought, we decided to switch the game to another pitch.

"It was a difficult decision. We were thinking whether to abandon the game. At the time, Alistair was still talking. We found out before the final whistle he had died.

"Those who knew him very well all went home."

For the full story, see the Gazette, April 11.