Dyanmic duo with combined age of 96
A few miles north of Coventry city centre lies the West Midlands village of Keresley.
The rugby club runs a first team playing in Midlands 5, a minis and junior section and their lively U16s Barbarians.
Like all rugby clubs, Keresley needs what the game tends to call stalwarts and, as their website proclaims: “ Our club is always looking for members, parents, local community members and friends to volunteer to assist with the running of the club and its events.”
An onsite bowling green and a women’s netball team are part of the Warwickshire club and there’s the usual list of events, from quiz nights to November fireworks and family fun days to NatWest Rugby Rugbyforce weekends and hedge laying creating a wildlife habitat.
When it comes to Keresley RFC’s habitat, two players with a combined age of 96, form a duo that would take some beating. Gary Wyatt and Ed Monk were a pivotal part of the club’s 22-10 win against Redditch at the end of last month (November). They formed the starting second row, as they have in a number of recent matches.
Both are great club members and have contributed to the growth and development of the club. Gary is club captain, and has been involved in organising social events, with his broccoli and stilton cheese a favourite at club meals.
Part of the Keresley RFC fabric for many years, he continues to make an excellent contribution on the park. He is the club’s lineout expert, running at close to 100% on own ball and stealing oppositions’ throws on a regular basis.
Ed has become a valued club member since his move to the city from his home county of Cornwall. A combative back row who, as age has caught up with him a little has reduced the number on his back, now plays some games at tighthead as well as in the back row.
Ed also helps maintain and improve the quality of club pitches and training areas, and can often be seen out on Saturday mornings with bucket, spade and fork, draining water so that matches can go ahead. He is also involved in social events, organizing a recent gin and rum evening to raise valuable club funds.
Club chairman Paul Harrison said: “Gaz and Ed are tremendous characters, and embody all that is good in the grassroots game. They work tirelessly for no reward on behalf of the club and the game. We are lucky that they are members of our club and grateful for all they have done and continue to do. We hope, at some stage in the next two years, to be able to celebrate their centenary as they both play in the same team again.”
