Veteran rugby players recall pass times

In his playing heyday Alun Stoll, the club's leading scorer for years, was a handful for any opposition as he streaked towards the line, his long locks flowing in his slipstream.

Ian Johnson was that rare thing - a goalkicking prop. Adrian Thomas was a useful centre who became a key club officer, serving as chairman and treasurer. Playing rugby was a family affair for Nick Spencer. And for Bob Turner, rugby saved his life.

Yes, lots to reminisce about over a few beers when they all got together for an impromptu rugby union reunion. The opportunity came in a recent Bridgnorth RFC league fixture against Sheffield, when the sixth old 'un Roy "Paddy" Graham - a founder member back in 1962 - who lives in Brough, and Ian, from Cleckheaton, went along to watch their erstwhile club in action.

"Our six Old Farts are typical of how rugby, as easily the best team sport, not only provides wonderful long lasting friendships but also helps with fitness," said Bob.

"Together they typify the spirit of rugby. We are all still friends after 50 years."

Alun, Adrian, Nick and Bob all live in Bridgnorth. Some of the six played together, but others were in different eras or different club teams.

So who are this super six?

Here is the lowdown from Bob - a founder member who does the match reports and has kept most of the records since the club's beginnings - starting with himself.

BOB TURNER: "Bridgnorth RFC saved my life on January 4, 1962, at 11.30am. I stopped smoking that day and thought I was going to die, having done nothing energetic for a few years. Over the last 55 years I have met some wonderful friends and had some very exciting times so I have tried to put something back into the club."

ADRIAN THOMAS: Joined 1972, a surveyor. "A card-carrying Welshman, Adrian was instrumental in forming 'Rentaman' where club members did any sort of job for money. His investment prowess was also behind the Tour Investment Trust, where members invested in shares under Adrian's guidance, raising a profit for a Lions trip to Australia. A useful centre, Adrian became chairman in 1980/1 and 81/2 and with his financial skills was club treasurer for many years."

ALUN STOLL: "Has been one of Bridgnorth's best assets since he joined in 1970. A slim 6ft 3ins schoolmaster, there was no better sight than seeing Alun take his man on the outside and with long blond locks streaming out taking huge strides to the line. He developed his kicking skills too and was the club's leading scorer for years. As if taking on the headmastership of a Wolverhampton school was not enough, he was club captain 74/75 and 80/81. Chairman for two years, press secretary for three, and fixture secretary for 20-plus years, finally becoming President in 2008 until the present. Now got silver hair and a good way with words."

IAN JOHNSON: "A sturdy Yorkshireman, Ian's job brought him to the Shropshire area with a job at GKN Sankey but the travelling back and forward to home club Cleckheaton was hard work, but a meeting with Nick Spencer led to him being given bed and breakfast with several Bridgnorth families, until Roger Cantrill found him a cottage on the family farm. He played three years for the club and was no mean goal kicker, for a prop!

"He recalls our better fitness regime and having Welsh-speaking half backs was a new experience. Ian went back to Cleckheaton to help generate the fourth generation of Johnson rugby player."

NICK SPENCER: "Another member of a great rugby family with father Brian and brothers Geoff and Edward Spencer all eager helpers and players in the early days. Always willing to help out, Nick used to pick up the jobs no one else would do and was instrumental in getting the youth of Bridgnorth and district find new interests in life. He doesn't enjoy the best of health but you wouldn't know it from his always cheery, and cheeky demeanour."

ROY "PADDY" GRAHAM: Paddy said: "I arrived at RAF Bridgnorth from Northern Ireland in 1961 and played some rugby and soccer for the station. Out of the blue came notice of a new rugby club starting in the town in January 1962, and the decision to join was one of the best I have ever made."

Paddy recalls some misdemeanours - staying out late on Fridays and turning up late for kick-off on Saturday, and forgetting his kit. The changing rooms were a stable behind the Black Horse.

"We all gelled together and I think our motto 'We play for fun, but we do like to win' was founded then."

He was posted to Malaya but after demob got a job in Wolverhampton and played for Bridgnorth once more.

Paddy added: "Fifty years later, living in Ireland I still return to the club two or three times a year and despite the club's fantastic growth the welcome is still as warm as ever.

"Now a great-grandfather, if my extended family ask me what was the most defining moment of my life, I would reply: 'Apart from marrying my lovely wife May, I would say joining BRFC - not just a club, but a fantastic family."