Sunday 18th December 2011 saw the inaugural competition for the “Nic Hooper Cup”. Set up to commemorate the eponymous stalwart of the club, this will become an annual fixture to coincide with the pre Christmas President’s cocktail party.

There was a superb turn out with over 50 “athletes” looking for an opportunity to play – a real testament to the enthusiasm for rugby that pervades all strata of the club. This enthusiasm was transferred onto the pitch with (it has to be said) a certain laissez-faire approach by many to the rules; some players having a less than literal, and occasionally somewhat lateral, interpretation of touch rugby. However whilst it was evident that on occasion there were two or three different games going on at any one time, the overall outcome was a win for the club and a Corinthian display of playing for the enjoyment of the competition.

Whilst the “Nic Hooper Cup" was the opportunity for many of the grown-ups who spend Sunday coaching or supporting to put on their boots - and for many practice what they coach - the event was bigger than just a game. On the pitch we saw all styles and standards of rugby, from the overly serious competitor to the player out for festive fun. Wednesday night regulars rubbed shoulders with guys who had not played for years (for some possibly decades). Long serving club members went toe to toe with club freshmen. Everyone however was up for friendly competition.

At the final whistle the result was a 15 – 10 win for the coaches. At the subsequent reception in a packed club-house the jubilant team captain Nick Oliver collected the trophy from Nic’s widow and son. A huge thank you to them both for attending.

'The “Nic Hooper Cup'' has achieved a huge milestone in Chipstead Rugby’s history by bringing together older members, senior and junior players and the minis. Whilst Chipstead moves slowly towards a one club ethos there will always need to be opportunities to bridge the dividing lines between the age groups – ''The Nic Hooper Cup'' achieved that in spades. Well done to everyone who participated.

The spirit of the event was summed up I think by the citation that accompanied the trophy:

Nic Hooper was a long time player and supporter of Chipstead RFC; he captained the 2nd, 3rd and 4th sides over a number years and also founded the Foggies vets side, in the seventies he was a very active committee member. He had fought cancer for nearly five years and up until last season was a regular touchline supporter for the first team. He will be greatly missed for his dry sense of humour and observations about the rugby played at Chipstead RFC.

Founded 18th December 2011
by Chipstead Exiles

Any finally, undoubtedly thanks need to go to Anthony Alberts for a dogged and focused pursuit in originating, organising and delivering the fixture and special thanks to Rob Tudor for donating the Cup.

Peter Hutton
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