I have to admit to being something of a hoarder. Certain things I just can't face throwing away.
And this is one.... My old Prep' school Rugby colours cap from about 1960. I loved Rugby, I played for my Prep' school, my upper school, and for a short while for a club on the South coast.
I can't remember a lot about my club Rugby days, as I was simply a Saturday afternoon player. I was working and living in London, and took the train down to Sussex specially for the games. I seem to remember that I played for the 2nd XV.
What I do remember, however, was that we played against teams such as London Welsh, London Irish, and Croydon (thugs); some of the toughest southern teams around at the time. We won all three games; but not without injuries.
Eventually, after noticing that I always had a limp or a black eye every Monday morning, one of the partners in the stockbroking firm for whom I worked, suggested that it might be best to stop playing; I followed his advice.
Nowadays I simply shout at the TV.
And which handsome lad were you?
ReplyDeleteI was a vollyball girl, all through grade school, high school and well into college. My first go round in college. tried to play with our grown kids last year and couldn't serve the ball...at all. Made an ass of myself trying which my grown kids loved immensely.
I'm the one on the left. Memories!
DeleteThat's a fancy sort of cap for tough rugby boys. Great days. I used to play hockey. Next door town always aimed for our ankles. Another tough area
ReplyDeleteDamaging opponents has always been a part of Rugby, but there are gentlemanly and non-gentlemanly ways of going about it.
DeleteNothing wrong with a little sentimental hoarding Cro.
ReplyDeleteI used to have my same-era Cricket cap, but Lady Magnon threw it away. I wasn't happy.
DeleteI am sure that my husband's school cap ( same green as yours) is in the back of the hall cupboard. He used to play rugby too, and when he is watching it on TV he is there with them.....twitching and moving like a sleeping dog does !! No point trying to talk to him when rugby is on. ( or any other time actually...he is a bit deaf!)
ReplyDeleteLuckily Lady M enjoys Rugby as much as I do; we're both looking forward to the upcoming 6 Nations competition.
DeleteI'm not at all sporty, only social squash and tennis when very much younger. I did used to play records though.
ReplyDeleteI used to be very sporty. Rowing (8's), Cricket, and Rugby. I loved them all.
DeleteRe cramp in the night - my mother always swore by a nutmeg under her pillow. Always made me think of the Princess and the Pea.
ReplyDeleteIt probably does as much good as the soap!
DeleteWell Cro, winter might pass a little bIt quicker now that The Six Nations rugby is starting at the weekend !!! I expect that there will be a fair bit of shouting and swearing coming from your house but at least you will keep your teeth and limbs intact !! XXXX
ReplyDeleteMy problem is that I support 3 teams; England, Wales, and France. The also-rans don't interest me.
DeleteDare I say that I have never really understood the game (or football for that matter). I do apologise for that Cro.
ReplyDeleteNo reason Weave; half the people who PLAY Rugby don't know the rules either.
DeleteThat chap next to you looks like a cross between James Dean and Marlon Brando.
ReplyDeleteHe was the school tough-nut!
DeleteI like watching rugby. Much more fun than football. I think it's lovely that you kept your school cap.
ReplyDeleteRugby is almost as much fun to watch as it is to play!
DeleteHave been to 1 Rugby match with my cousin when his friend dropped out at the last minute.
ReplyDeleteScotland Wales at Murrayfield.
Thoroughly enjoyed it!.😀.No idea about the game at all.
Did get a couple of dings in the ribs and told to behave after a few oohs n aaahhs. Most pleasing on the eye it was!.
My oldest son lived very near to Murrayfield when he first went to work in Edinburgh; the noise on Saturdays was deafening.
DeleteJust picking up on the cramp thingy Cro. for as long as I can remember I have had terrible night cramps in my feet and legs. Then heard someone on the radio mention soap in the bed and.........it may be pschological but it has worked!!
ReplyDeletepsychological!
ReplyDeleteIn which case I shall have to try it. Thanks.
DeleteI know that you are a big bloke - your chum to the right must be a giant!
ReplyDeleteHe was the school's 'Lump'. But I did once beat him at Boxing!
DeleteHaha! That made me laugh! My dear OH played rugby - and was born and bred in Croydon (well technically Addiscombe, the posh end) He remembers a tackle in which he managed to break the fingers of his rugby teacher! What a thug!
ReplyDeleteIt's probably the one game of my club career that I remember the best. They were all 25 stone laughing Apes, and were more interested in causing physical damage than winning the game (which is probably why we beat them).
DeleteGreat story ! Loved it and I did giggle at the ending.
ReplyDeletecheers, parsnip
I was never there for practice sessions, so injuries came freely. I can remember never feeling quite right until mid-week, then on Saturdays I'd do it all again.
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