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Memory Corner Number 3

Edwin’s Anecdotes by Carole Bryant

The following are a few anecdotes of my husband Edwin’s refereeing days between 1972 and 1986.

Ormdale RFC (sadly no longer in existence) played on a site near Redruth. They had no clubhouse of their own but used the facilities of the Treleigh Arms.

On match days the team and officials would change at the pub, then a raggle-taggle band of players, officials, wives and girlfriends would make their way across the old Redruth bypass, over the new one, down a lane, over a stile and across two fields before reaching the pitch where the cows would have to be chased off before play could commence. Following the game we would all retrace our steps back to the pub for the traditional post-match jollity.

Edwin was invited to be one of the touch judges at a game in Carlisle between Cumbria and Cornwall in the County Championship.

After the post-match dinner at a local hotel, and the usual high jinks, everyone retired for the night. However, in the early hours some of the Cornwall team felt a bit peckish and decided to raid the kitchen for a snack.

Someone found an enormous tray of eggs in the fridge so they decided to have a fry-up. Unfortunately, whilst the tray was being taken to the cooker, the carrier tripped and the eggs were smashed on the floor. Panic set in but someone found the ideal solution – a Hoover! They owned up next morning and all damages were paid for.

Edwin went on many exchange trips to other parts of the country. On one occasion he and three fellow referees were on exchange in the London area where they were to stay the night with one of the local officials, who was a rep for Guinness.

He had managed to acquire a barrel of the Dublin-brewed stuff, and a good time was had by all well into the night. They were obliged to polish off the last of the Guinness at breakfast next morning before driving back to Cornwall.

He refereed a game between Newquay Hornets and Cullompton. The visitors were on their “Easter Tour” and as they were coming to a seaside area they had all brought their buckets and spades with them. They had to eat their food with the spade and drink their beer from the bucket otherwise they would be fined.

After the meal in the clubhouse they treated everyone to their party piece. The players stood in a circle, backs to the “audience”, and sang a bawdy song. They gradually removed one item of clothing – shirt then trousers – until they were left in just their skimpy red underpants. Everyone was agog – would they or wouldn’t they? They did, which was a sight to behold for all the ladies present!

Some people may say that those were the good old days of Cornish rugby. Personally I think the rugby is more exciting nowadays, but thank goodness the Press Gang is still keeping alive the old post-match traditions – almost!

Edwin Bryant Trophy

The Edwin Byant Trophy donated by Carole Bryant, has been named in recognition of her late husband, whose contribution to the club & the community was legendary.

The trophy will be awarded to the player chosen by Press Gang vote and will be presented by Carole at the last match of the season: London Welsh Members should shortly receive postal nomination & voting forms

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