Dear Members,

It is with the deepest regret that I have to inform you of the recent passing of one of our former players.

James Lord, aged 65, sadly passed away last Sunday morning.

I am sure that those of you who knew James during his playing days will fondly remember him for at least two of his many remarkable talents. Firstly, and rugby foremost, there was his incredible strength, which gave him the ability to demolish experienced props twice his age when he was still only a colt.

Secondly, those of us who played alongside him will remember making the occasional few quid by betting with our visiting opponents on James’ remarkable ability to flick-flack his way down “The Owd Tin Shed” during the late 1970s and early 1980s, much to the amazement and exasperation of many visiting teams.

I fondly remember playing alongside James in the Ribb Colts around 1978, when we had an exceptional side that rarely lost, even against highly regarded opponents such as Otley, who at that time supplied around a third of the Yorkshire Colts team. Much of our success came from the dominance of our scrum, driven by James’ immense power, and was finished off with some outstanding back play.

Our sincere condolences go to all of James’ family at this difficult time, especially his wife, Steph, and his son, Adrian. I am sure that everyone in our Ribb family will offer them our support in any way we can.
Rest in peace, James.

Gavin Davidson
Chair
North Ribblesdale RUFC