There was a great turnout for this third John Gurney Memorial Match - celebrating the life of the popular local Sunday League football manager, who bravely lost his fight against cancer in 2008.

John managed VS Supporters FC over many years, and a large number of his players (now of various shapes and sizes) turned out recently against a team of past VS Rugby/Rugby Town players for what certainly was a day to remember at Town’s excellent Butlin Road stadium.

As a significant majority of the Supporters’ line-up had not put on a pair of boots for a few years, it was unsurprising they went a goal behind after only a minute - with many of them still trying to catch their breath and get their legs moving.

The Ex-Players went on to enjoy the majority of the first half possession, however the Supporters held firm and only conceded once more shortly before half-time to go in 2-0 down.

The Supporters made a number of substitutions for the restart, and within five minutes the ever-young Martin Flear pulled a goal back with a superb 25 yard screamer.

In an even second period, the Supporters somewhat harshly conceded three more times to trail 5-1, but with a minute remaining Craig Herbert scythed down the Supporters’ centre-forward and a penalty was correctly awarded.

John’s son Neil stepped up and nervously pulled the spot-kick wide, only for the referee to demand a retake due to the keeper coming off his line. Neil made no mistake second time though to round off the scoring – with Mark Rosegreen (2), Robbie Beard (2) and a Lee Lavery wonder strike on target for the players.

John’s widow Jeanette presented the memorial trophy to the Players’ captain Robbie Beard.

Huge thanks to Rugby Town for the use of their facilities and the hard work of their staff on the day. Also thanks must go to the officials, supporters and helpers for giving up their time, and to Tony Clarke and Craig Herbert for getting the past players together for what turned out to be a wonderful event.

£1,142 was raised on the day from players’ donations and an impressive raffle, which added to the £405 currently on the Just Giving page (www.justgiving.com/John GurneyMemorial) means the total now stands at £1,547 in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Further donations would of course be appreciated via the web page.

Squad line-ups (left to right):

Valley Ex-Players: Back Row: Gary Redgate, Ady Fitzhugh, Paul Shepherd, Simon Williams, Lee Lavery, Danny Finlay Front Row: Paul O’Brien, Craig Herbert, Mark Rosegreen, Robbie Beard, David Staff, Gary Hardwick, Liam O’Neill. Missing from picture – Tony Clarke.

VS Rugby Supporters’ Club: Back Row: Neville Belle, Paul Moore, Martin Flear, Neil Gurney, Ross MacAuley, Paul Freakly, Darren Boyle, Ian Gardener, Keith Dawes, Steve Tew, Pete Fatania, Wayne McLaren. Front Row: Andy Powell, Leigh Kenny, Trevor Forrest, Pravin Dhokia, Matt Scoffham, Peter Hersee, Ashley Elson, Daz O’Neill, Mark Knott.

.