Location | Vallis Way |
Competition | Memorial Game |
Pitch | 4G |
Captain | Jez Inson (Exiles), Jake Usher (Evergreens) |
Coaches | Eddie Beck |
Physio | Erik Gee |
Team Manager | Jez Inson (Exiles), Brendan O’Flaherty (Evergreens) |
Team Meeting | Changing room OP5 18:30. |
The annual Exiles v Evergreens Memorial Match, was inaugurated by the Exiles in 2008. This fixture came to prominence in 2010 to commemorate our departed friend Damian Bugeja. Since then this fixture is played at the end of each season, in memory of all club players and members. There is a growing list of these HERE
The match was a typically entertaining affair. The Evergreens came out on top, but were pushed all the way by the Exiles, who scored a couple of outstanding tries.
After the trophy had been handed over to Evergreens captain Jake Usher, 1871 Chairman Steve Weekes explained the history of the fixture, before moving on to introduce Peter Baveystock, President of Middlesex RFU, who spoke about the drama that ensued when the Evergreens played UCS Vets (see HERE). Ealing’s John Fenlon suffered a heart attack during that game, and but for the swift and expert response of his team-mates and the availability of a defibrillator in the clubhouse would have become another of the names to be remembered in the memorial fixture. His heart stopped for no less than six minutes until he was resuscitated by medical doctor Justin Green, greatly assisted by other fellow players.
This nearly tragic incident and the importance of defibrillators it highlighted have led to much discussion and action within Middlesex RFU, and Peter presented President’s Commendation certificates to Justin Green, Brendan O’Flaherty, Paul Jackson and Steve Weekes, all of whom received a massive hug from John Fenlon for the vital roles they had all played in saving his life. Eddie Beck also received a Commendation in his absence.
Our thanks to Peter for helping to make a special evening in the club calendar even more special.
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