Ditchling Rugby Club celebrate golden night

The game involved several current and past players alongside nearly 30 members of Betuwe Rugby Club from Holland. The game itself was played in the spirit it was intended with very free flowing high scoring rugby. The spectators enjoyed some excellent talent on show with also a dash of maturing fitness levels from the older players.

The club was very privileged to have in attendance several of Ditchling players from the founding year in 1963 including the two founding fathers James Mussen and Chris Pepler. After the game they were both both presented with current Ditchling rugby shirts. (picture attached James on the left, Chris on the right)

Over 130 guests enjoyed the evening festivities which included some fine food, music, great company and obviously a glass of wine or two. Guest of honour was ex-England international legend Gareth Chilcott who not only mingled with the guests but spoke about his time as a rugby player including some very funny rugby anecdotes.

The evening also including the annual prize giving for the players. Prizes included; Top Try Scorer – Grainger Hodgson, 2nd XV Most Improved Player – Dan Rapson, 2nd XV Player of The Season – Nick Coulson, 1st XV Most Improved Player – Josh Pearson, 1st XV Player of The Season – Andrew Lovell, Coaches Award – Hugh Felton and the Clubman of The Year to Bob Plummer for his exceptional work in all things Ditchling RFC related over the last 20 years.

One sad moment of the evening was when Godfrey Harker current President, announced he was standing down after 30 years. Chairman Rob Becvar said “Godfrey is a man that everyone at the club knows. He has been the figure head of this club for 30 years which is an amazing achievement. It was very emotional when he announced his retirement during his speech but fittingly received a standing ovation from all the guests. I would like to thank Godfrey on behalf of the club for his leadership over the 30 years and wish him a very happy retirement”.