Taunton Veterans Return

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Rugby today is a fast paced and physical game played at the top level by beasts of men at an intensity that cannot truly be understood by those not involved. Athletes pull on the shirt and take to the field to do battle with a ferocity that is not for the feint of heart. The game has certainly moved on.

As current player Neil Symons mused on his rugby future on the dawning of another birthday, his mind wondered what would happen when he could no longer pull on the Taunton jersey on a regular basis. This got him thinking about many of the former players and what they are doing now. Before he realised it, the first “old boys” side since the arrival at our Hyde Park home was born.

From that seed Neil worked tirelessly, as he so often has throughout his rugby career – and all at Taunton Rugby Club, setting about gauging interest from some of the players of the recent bygone era. The response was overwhelming and developed further when a chance discussion with another former player, Tim Hollow, resulted in their first fixture against a veteran’s side from Hayle RFC. So, after all the hard work arranging the fixture, transport and kit, a side was assembled and a trip to Cornwall it was!

It was an early start but one by one the players arrived and with a small band of travelling support boarded the bus destined for the Dutchy. The obligatory refreshment stop en-route refuelled the weary travellers and soon we would meet up with the other members of the squad that decided to make a proper weekend of the occasion by staying down there.

On the field it was a delight to be a part of and one of the most enjoyable days I have had in Taunton colours. To once again play alongside some of the players I looked up to when joining the club as a relative youngster in 1998 was a delight.

The match itself was good and played at a reasonable intensity for such an occasion, whilst remaining good natured and enjoyable through out. To be on the field alongside another fourteen “legends” of Taunton rugby was a pleasure. The standard was not too shabby either despite many having been out of the game for a while proving the old saying, “you never lose it!” and Taunton running out eventual winners.

Those that came to support had another opportunity to see players such as Pete Harrison, Mike Willett, Andy Jones, Paul Clark, Chris Richards, Nigel Smith, Robbie Miller (Snr), Nick Haydn, Tim Hollow and Rob Weaver playing their part alongside players still involved in playing at some level; Neil Symons, Wayne Wiltshire, Mark Winter, Lee Stanley, Moses Tiasawu and skipper for the afternoon (through being the oldest player) Vince Carrington.

What followed was an evening never to be forgotten, a chance to reminisce and relive old times. The hospitality of our hosts was simply fantastic and both sets of players and supporters had a wonderful night, firstly at Hayle RFC and then into the town itself. The liquid refreshment flowed freely and the voices would join in song to bring back memories of how rugby used to be. The journey home provided more chances to recall old times before heading off our separate ways once more.

One thing from the whole experience was how enjoyable the day was. Word travelled fast and those that didn’t come (with the excuses that Neil received from some being comical and some straight out of the schoolbook!) realised that they missed out. Fortunately, they now have another opportunity.

The next match for the Taunton Veterans is set for 25 February 2012 away to Dorchester. The bus will be leaving Hyde Park at 12:00. Spread the word, and if anyone is interested in playing or coming along to support, please contact Neil Symons (Tel: 07866 603876).