It is a comforting thought to know that behind the scenes of our Club there are members who, after having finished playing, still take an active interest and pride in the Saracens. They can always be called upon at an instants notice and whatever they are asked to do, will get on with it and put their whole heart into it. One who springs readily to mind is Les Webber who this year celebrates forty two years of unbroken association with the Saracens.

Born in 1902, he first went to Ashley Down School and from there graduated to Fairfield Grammar School where he showed great promise both as a scholar and sportsman. Although Fairfield played both rugger and soccer, it was the handling code which held his interest.

On leaving school he went into the family drapery business, and joined the Saracens in 1921. It was obvious from the outset that the Club had secured the services of an excellent player and Clubman.

Les started his days with the 3rd XV playing wing three-quarter to Ted Bakewell who was at right centre. A speedy ascendancy was made to the 1st XV where he continued to fill the wing berth. Unfortunately for Les he did not see as much of the ball as he would have liked, and decided to move to centre in 1923-24. It was in this season he was awarded his Club Cap.

In the season 1925-26 he took over the Club Captaincy and promptly celebrated by kicking well over a hundred points. Needless to say the Bristol Club were by now showing more than a little interest and soon he was being groomed by one of the greatest centres of all times Len Corbett - also a Saracen - but fate was to play a cruel blow. Due to the death of his father Leslie had to give up rugger in order to carry on the family business, but after two years lapse he returned to the Club in the role of full-back. This was a natural berth for him to fill as he was a prolific goal kicker and found touch beautifully with either foot. Due to this forced retirement the honors that could have been, did not materialize, however, he did turn out for Bristol United up until 1933.

Two games for the Club stand out in his memory. The first being when the Saracens fixture Secretary had arranged two games for the 1stXV on the sameday and so the 2nd XV had to take one - this being against the Gloucester Wagon Works away. The Gloucester team had just previously won the Gloucestershire Championship shield. This in no way impressed the Saracens 2ndXV who ran off winners by 11 - 8. The Wagon Works swore it was our firsts.

Another game which will always be remembered was the St. Nicholas fixture played on Quabb Farm near Horfield Common. Due to heavy storms the Bristol game had been cancelled and several of the Bristol players who were members of the St Nicholas side turned out for their old club. These included members of the Tucker family, Ern, Fran, Alf and Ted who played scrum half. The match was watched by a large crowd who enjoyed every minute of the game in which St, Nicholas were beaten by 12pts to 5.

In 1934 Leslie retired from active rugby and, typical of the man he is, decided to put back into the game something of what he got out of it, and so in the same season he took up the whistle, and in his time has refereed many top class games. In all he completed twenty years of valuable service for the Gloucestershire Referees Society.

After the war he once again put on his boots to get the Saracens re-started. His mission accomplished he hung up his boots for the last time in 1947 and in 1959 he was deservedly bestowed with the honour of a vice presidency for services to the Club.

Time is the acid test of a good sportsman. Mention to anyone that you are a Saracen and it won't be long before the topic turns to Great Saracens and Les

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