Rugby Club Issue 57 | Page 27

wimbledon more than a few were puffing hard by the end of the match. The men were not to be outdone so next was a run out for the current and famous Wimbledon Vets aka the Strollers against a Wimbledon all-stars side. Some of the “boys” out there had not pulled their boots on for some time but that didn’t stop them giving their all. A cracking game ensued which was enjoyed immensely by the spectators not least because they know some of those “boys” would be hurting mightily the next day. During the breaks everyone enjoyed the variety of food on offer and a few even visited either the clubhouse or outside bar. Thus by 3pm they gave the Mayor of Merton a rich welcome as she ceremoniously received International shirts from the two youth internationals and presented the match ball to the Wimbledon 1st team captain so he could kick of the final game against a Surrey Presidents XV. Like the other games this was played in good spirit but of course everyone also took it seriously and the sizable crowd was treated to a fantastic display from both teams. Scores are irrelevant on such a day but let’s say that on this occasion youth triumphed over experience in the early games and the Presidents XV did not rain on Wimbledon’s parade. The many spectators had got their money’s worth but quite a few, some decked out in their new club blazers joined the players for a “little” celebration in the bar. We’ll draw a veil here over what happened next but suffice to say both aged committee members and sprightly players partied well into the small hours and a great time was had by all. So congratulations to Wimbledon on a fantastic day to mark a fantastic history. www.sportip.biz 27 www.wimbledonrfc.co.uk.uk - Twitter : @WimbledonRFC