Fred Morris Memorial Match (From Gazette Series)

Fred Morris Memorial Match

Fred Morris Memorial Match Wotton 19 Memorial XV 15

A GREAT day for Wotton Rugby Club saw Wotton's current side take on a Memorial XV made up of past and present players led by Ollie Boyle.

In front of a large crowd at Rose Hill, the Memorial side stunned Wotton with two early tries, from Bennett and Clare, which stung the home side into action.

Wotton came back into the game with two tries of their own and the try-scoring honours were shared in the second half, although in all honesty the score was largely irrelevant, rugby being the real winner on the day.

A whole host of names from the past turned out including Adam Wright, Verity Small, Fraser Price, Rob Flippence, Aubrey Wood, Lee Barton and Adrian Sherratt to name but a few ex-Wotton heroes.

The fundraising for Macmillan Nurses came to very nearly £500 and anyone who was unable to attend and wishes to donate can still do so by dropping any money in to the Singing Teapot or The Star in Wotton-under-Edge.

The club intends to hold a similar game on an annual basis such was its success and, fittingly, the most poignant moment was at the end of the game when both teams came together for a minutes silence to remember their friend and teammate Fred Morris.

Thanks from Wotton Rugby Club go to all of Fred's family for attending, to Ollie Boyle for all of his work in making the game happen, to The Star for providing the food afterwards and The White Lion and The Royal Oak for allowing collecting buckets to be passed around.

Thanks also Charlie Hall for refereeing the game, including the obligatory yellow card for Julian Roe to keep the sweepstake ticking over.

Wotton also welcomed three new young players who were all outstanding on the day and the club continues to grow.

There is a one week break from training, then it resumes on Thursday, December 29 at KLB School (7pm). All prospective players are welcome.

Phone Tim Brown on 07976 652508 or 01453 519781 for more details.