365 Sporting Days

After an afternoon at the tennis I rushed home to get ready to enter the unknown – otherwise known as the Essex County RFU President’s Dinner. I was very kindly invited by the President Elect Richard Austin; a man whose path I seem to cross in sporting terms on a regular basis.

Another dinner, another entrance on my own, however the time I was greeted by friendly faces I knew.  Richard and his lovely wife and Adrian and Harriet Knights, it was lovely to have people to chat to instantly.

The dinner was in aid of a couple of things, one was to bring the past Presidents together to thank them for their vision for the Essex County RFU during their years in office.  It was great to see these men celebrated and thanked for their contribution to an organisation that is the backbone and driving force of rugby in Essex.

http://essexrfu.pitchero.com/page/game-development-420/  – follow the link to check out some of the work being carried out.

I was sat next to Paul Cooper; a prop, Paul plays for Thurrock, but he also plays for England Deaf Rugby.  I’m going to send you off again here for the match report of England’s recent record victory over Italy – they won 131 to nil.  Something of a huge score!

http://www.englanddeafrugby.com/teams/118243/match-centre/0-3137173

Paul was presented with his England Cap by Peter Baines a Senior Vice President with the RFU, I was very pleased to meet Paul and hope I can write about Deaf Rugby in 2016.

I had a very pleasant chat with my ‘other’ neighbour Jim Donnell, I think I may have broken a few etiquette rules in seeking the Ulster v Saracens score.  But, it had to be done, and it was a score worth finding!

The camaraderie was plain to see in the room,  The Essex Bishops (pictured above) were just one group who play the game but also raise money for charity, it was a joy to behold!  Funds were raised for the Injured Players charity during the evening, I’m belatedly wishing I’d bid for the 2 England v Wales tickets!

A thoroughly enjoyable evening all round!