Ted Senior Memorial Match

Monmouth Combination XV 34 Ted Senior Foundation Barbarians XV 29

SOME 40 present and past players turned out in memory of Ted Senior in glorious sunshine at Monmouth Sports Ground on Saturday, as the charity day proved a blazing success, writes PETE WALTERS.

Rob Coe sprints clear for the opening Barbarian try
Rob Coe sprints clear for the opening Barbarian try (Gareth Roberts)

A better day could not be asked for, with a nice breeze to cool the many supporters, and highly skilled and entertaining rugby on display, as former club member and Monmouth Comprehensive head boy Ted, alongside other much missed young men Max Davies, Jacob Picken and Roddy Thompson, were all fondly remembered.

The Senior family with faithful friend
The Senior family with faithful friend (Gareth Roberts)

As a gesture to those who had not played for some time and the heat, passive scrums were the order of the day and it was amazing how, when one side scored, the other soon retaliated to balance things up.

The referee, himself a retiree from the game, managed affairs in a tolerant manner, so much so that everyone present thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Monmouth skipper and TSF Co Chair Cam Boycott collects the trophy from Syd Senior
Monmouth skipper and TSF co-chair Cam Boycott collects the trophy from Syd Senior (Gareth Roberts)

This did not mean that some of the tackles were not fierce nor the passing less than slick, with 11 tries scored in all with some open and sometimes spectacular running very much the length of the field, having first slipped a tackle or two.

Dan White scores the openng Monmouth try
Dan White scores the openng Monmouth try (Gareth Roberts)

There were noticeably some significant interceptions from which TSF Babas scored, butwith the score tied at 29-29 and with Monmouth near scoring another, a player was injured causing a lengthy break and physio and St John Ambulance involvement.

Dan Dunmore scors the first of his two tries
Dan Dunmore scors the first of his two tries (Gareth Roberts)

Fortunately, he recovered sufficiently to become ‘walking wounded’, whereupon, to the surprise of the crowd, the referee recommenced the game.

And in the five minutes left, fullback Harry Johnson clinched the result with a length-of-the field try.

The Monmouth Combination Squad
The Monmouth Combination Squad (Gareth Roberts)

The many visiting players then joined in the typical post-match celebrations leading to, for some, an overnight stay and even much more fun, but all in a good cause.

There was plenty of fun at the wonderful charity event
There was plenty of fun at the wonderful charity event (Gareth Roberts)

The Ted Senior Foundation organised the day well and benefited greatly from the generosity of spectators and stallholders.

St Johns Ambulance were in attendance
St Johns Ambulance were in attendance (Gareth Roberts)

Their key purpose of reminding people to remain ever mindful of the importance of good mental health and the need to seek help or provide it when individuals appear to be suffering was again heard loud and clear at this joyous rugby occasion.

Chloe Dunmore with her mum enjoyed the day
Chloe Dunmore with her mum enjoyed the day (Gareth Roberts)

See www.thetedseniorfoundation.org for more information.