Tony was part of the golden generation of the sixties rugby lovers who helped bridge the gap between Old Pomfretians and Pontefract Rugby Football Club; who helped to bring the Club into the modern era. Though he and of course his son, Philip, had successful seasons here, it is fair to say that Tony’s achievements off the field, in the half century since he hung up his boots, outshine all the endeavours and happy afternoons of donning the blue shirt .In these later years his love for Moor Lane, his zeal and his energy have lightened many a dark afternoon for those who benefited from his enormous contributions.

Tony’s assiduous attention to detail, his organisational flair, often provided the structure and support for so many activities on and off the field. Whether he was auditing funds, checking the protocols for team announcements, formatting the match programme or scoreboard, or even enjoying the simple avocations of ordering jugs of beer for players from the Allsorts Coffers, all was done scrupulously and with exemplary diligence. Tony was never averse either to physical tasks or putting his back into work here - shifting or lifting; the Club and its members clearly played a big part in his life.

The Committee members speak in glowing terms about his level-headed advice and guidance. Never captious or aggressive in his intrusions, not one to score points, Tony was always aware of the wider ramifications of maintaining and running our fine Rugby Club.

As another important player leaves the stage, we will miss his affable and self-deprecating charm, his love of all that Moor Lane is and strives to be. But perhaps most of all we’ll miss his impassioned call from the stand on Saturday afternoon: ‘Come on, Ponty!’.

To all of Tony’ s family and all those close to him, from his beloved Club: May his soul rest in eternal peace.