On Saturday an Ellingham & Ringwood All Stars XV played a Nick Carlyon Memorial XV in memory of Nick, who was a former Verwood Rugby Club player, who sadly died in 2001.

There was a minute’s silence before the kick off and once underway, the game was very competitive, but played in a great spirit in beautiful weather at Ellingham’s Raymond Brown Memorial Ground. The participants ages ranged from young players in their mid 20’s to veteran 65 year old prop Bob Teale, who travelled from where he now lives in France to play in this game and to join fellow veterans Steve Benson and Paul Grubb in a 182 year old front row.

A big crowd watched the game on a lovely warm spring afternoon and they were treated to some entertaining rugby. The memorial side took an early 7-0 lead with a converted try, but the Ringwood side came back strongly with tries from Tom Sampson and Duncan Soden to lead 10-7 at the break.

In the second half the Ellingham & Ringwood side were able to get on top, despite some great defence from the memorial side – and they added two further tries from Andy Sherrin and David Budd and a conversion. But the memorial side also crossed for a further try to make the final score 22-12.

Back in the club house there were speeches from both captains and it was agreed to make this an annual fixture. The post match activities then went on late into the night, particularly with the veterans who enjoyed sharing stories of past games and events.