It was no surprise that several hundred people gathered recently to attend the funeral of John Smith—known to all as Smithy. A true stalwart of Saffron Walden Rugby Football Club, he joined the club in the 1960s, not quite as a founding member, but very much as one of the figures who shaped its golden years.
An exceptionally gifted rugby player and a man ahead of his time, Smithy played throughout the 1970s and into the mid-1980s, a period that many regard as the club’s most successful. As fly half, he was the on-field organiser: a natural leader, outstanding tactician, and gifted coach. He captained the club in 1971 and was fortunate to form a formidable partnership with two accomplished scrum halves, Peter Faure and Merfyn Hughes.
During his playing career, Saffron Walden won the Cambridgeshire Cup on numerous occasions. One particularly memorable year—believed to be 1984—the team defeated Bishop’s Stortford away on the Saturday, before travelling the next day to Grange Road, the University ground in Cambridge, to beat Cambridge in the county cup final. Smithy masterminded both victories. In the early 1980s, before the advent of league rugby, the club were also runners-up in the Eastern Counties Cup, narrowly losing to North Walsham in a match many felt should have gone their way. Smithy was also a fine sevens player and played an integral role in the club’s success in that format, helping to secure many trophies. Beyond the club, he represented Cambridgeshire on countless occasions and also played for Eastern Counties.
Smithy’s contribution to Saffron Walden RFC extended far beyond the pitch. He was heavily involved in the creation of the club’s current home. After being forced to leave RAF Debden when the site was sold to the army, the club purchased Springate—now the Tiny Curtis Ground—which at the time was little more than a bare stubble field. Farmers and builders came together to establish the pitch and build the clubhouse, and Smithy, as the nearest farmer, devoted countless hours of his own time and effort to help create the splendid ground the club enjoys today.
His sporting talents were not confined to rugby. Smithy was also an accomplished cricketer, playing for many local clubs. In his prime, he represented Bishop’s Stortford and spent several seasons playing for the Essex Second XI.
A great sports enthusiast, Smithy loved discussing all games, always accompanied by his dry sense of humour. He had a particular gift for encouraging young people and inspired countless youngsters through his enthusiasm. He coached one of the club’s first colts sides, leaving a lasting impression on many future players.
Away from sport, his other great love was his farm. He farmed in Broxted all his life before retiring more recently to Wickham St Paul.
Smithy will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with Carol and all his family at this time.
An exceptionally gifted rugby player and a man ahead of his time, Smithy played throughout the 1970s and into the mid-1980s, a period that many regard as the club’s most successful. As fly half, he was the on-field organiser: a natural leader, outstanding tactician, and gifted coach. He captained the club in 1971 and was fortunate to form a formidable partnership with two accomplished scrum halves, Peter Faure and Merfyn Hughes.
During his playing career, Saffron Walden won the Cambridgeshire Cup on numerous occasions. One particularly memorable year—believed to be 1984—the team defeated Bishop’s Stortford away on the Saturday, before travelling the next day to Grange Road, the University ground in Cambridge, to beat Cambridge in the county cup final. Smithy masterminded both victories. In the early 1980s, before the advent of league rugby, the club were also runners-up in the Eastern Counties Cup, narrowly losing to North Walsham in a match many felt should have gone their way. Smithy was also a fine sevens player and played an integral role in the club’s success in that format, helping to secure many trophies. Beyond the club, he represented Cambridgeshire on countless occasions and also played for Eastern Counties.
Smithy’s contribution to Saffron Walden RFC extended far beyond the pitch. He was heavily involved in the creation of the club’s current home. After being forced to leave RAF Debden when the site was sold to the army, the club purchased Springate—now the Tiny Curtis Ground—which at the time was little more than a bare stubble field. Farmers and builders came together to establish the pitch and build the clubhouse, and Smithy, as the nearest farmer, devoted countless hours of his own time and effort to help create the splendid ground the club enjoys today.
His sporting talents were not confined to rugby. Smithy was also an accomplished cricketer, playing for many local clubs. In his prime, he represented Bishop’s Stortford and spent several seasons playing for the Essex Second XI.
A great sports enthusiast, Smithy loved discussing all games, always accompanied by his dry sense of humour. He had a particular gift for encouraging young people and inspired countless youngsters through his enthusiasm. He coached one of the club’s first colts sides, leaving a lasting impression on many future players.
Away from sport, his other great love was his farm. He farmed in Broxted all his life before retiring more recently to Wickham St Paul.
Smithy will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with Carol and all his family at this time.
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.png?v=638489613114439099 "Copy of Vacancies (8.5 x 4 in)")
