Jonny Rowbotham organised a fantastic ex players lunch with over 80 present. Special guests included Richard Holden MP, Harry Roberts (ex Leicester Tigers and Springboks hooker), Billy Balshen (ex Newcastle Falcons hooker) and Councillor Stephen Robinson.

We also had 13 players from our Bath Tour in 1980. John O'Connor gave an insight to the tour and paid tribute to all the boys who became the bedrock of Consett RFC and these included Club Captains: Keith Horn, Barry Cook, Dave Hilditch, John O'Connor and Mickey Breen.

Frank Richardson gave an amusing history of the Tups and all the games they never lost and nearly won, he also had an extraordinary fascination with jock straps. Les Oliver then gave an impromptu speech from the heart about the role Consett RFC had played in his life and thanked his teachers, Roy Tyerman, Paul Middlemast and Barry Cook for helping him become the man he is today (although they should not shoulder all the blame)!

A tremendously historic photo with all the ex players and the 1st XV celebrating their convincing victory over Westoe can now be seen on the CRFC website. All 3 teams had emphatic victories over opponents Novos 2nds (away) and Horden 3rds (home) to cap a red letter day. A brilliant function and thanks to Jonny and Paul Breeze, his staff and the colts, who acted as waiters, for all their hard work in making it such a special event.

All photos courtesy of official club photographer George Ledger