14th December 2025
Ash RFC celebrated its 30th anniversary in the only way it truly knows how — by filling the original rec pitch with past, present and future players, switching teams mid-game, and embracing rugby exactly as it was meant to be played.
Advertised as “1st XV vs Saxons”, the match quickly became a free-flowing celebration rather than a rigid contest, with players swapping sides, positions becoming optional, and the emphasis firmly on enjoyment.
A customary team photo beneath the posts kicked things off, capturing most of those involved (late arrivals will insist they were definitely just out of frame).
A substitute referee was found just before kick off, with Freya Hopkins taking the whistle. This marked the first time in Ash RFC history that five Hopkins were on the pitch at once — a special moment for the family and the club.
Club founder Russ Timpson officially started proceedings, kicking off the match before sensibly retreating at pace, keen to avoid any suggestion that he might be required to actually play rugby rather than enjoy the celebrations.
The opening 30 minutes saw a Dads & Lads side (brothers, sons and relatives included) face off against everyone else.
It took less than a minute for Brad Nash to open the scoring, sidestepping his way through before crossing the line. He’d go on to score 3 tries in the game, but didn’t buy a jug! The half continued in superb Ash RFC spirit. controversial calls, ambitious plays, and several players briefly believing they were Marcus Smith.
A standout moment came from Will Cornwall, who produced a huge attacking effort on Mitchell Fielder — yes, international rugby player Mitchell Fielder — firmly firming him off before galloping away. A moment that will live long in Ash folklore. The half also marked a special family milestone, with Fin and Neil Parfitt sharing the pitch for the first time, before later lining up against each other — a moment that summed up exactly what the day was about.
Sam Gunter provided entertainment in abundance: Attempting to burn Matt Radbourne on the outside before dropping the ball for no reason whatsoever, then chipping brilliantly over Harvey Stocker, only to kick it too well and straight into dead ball. He was later spotted enjoying some port, presumably for recovery purposes.
The half finished 24–5 to the Dads & Lads, with former players rolling back the years:
After a halftime refresh (as befits elite athletes), the teams finally lined up as advertised: 1st XV vs Veterans. For once, the veterans outnumbered the first team — and were probably the better side, while the 1st XV appeared far more interested in messing about than winning.
A unique moment saw life members John Evans and Mike Smalley quite literally step onto the pitch — for around ten seconds — to throw the ball into the lineout for the lads. Some argue these two throws were the straightest lineouts seen at Ash in recent history, proving class truly is permanent.
Second-half highlights included:
A special family moment as Matt Spanton ran out alongside his son Thomas for the first time. When Thomas scored, Spanton Senior quickly reminded him he was taking the conversion — which he duly slotted, to the audible groans of the entire sideline
The second half finished 24–12 to the Veterans.
They say rugby is a game of two halves — and this was the clearest example you’ll ever see. Across the full 60 minutes, the away strip edged the home strip 36–29, but the score mattered very little. Everyone left with a smile on their face, which summed the day up perfectly.
A shirt presentation was made to club sponsor Tayberry Foods, thanking them for their continued sponsorship and collaboration with Ash RFC over the past few seasons.
As tradition demands, Man of the Match, “Richard of the Day”, and a bonus award were handed out. After some consultation with Coach Neil, Sam struggled to pick anyone — so naturally turned to the fish, and more importantly, club stalwart Paul Ralph.
Man of the Match went to Will Cornwall, for his moment on international player Mitchell Fielder.
Richard of the Day was awarded to Matt Spanton, for not letting his son take the conversion — an award he attempted to argue against before being swiftly shut down by the clubhouse jury.
Tackle of the Day was introduced and awarded to Jorge Russell, for bravely receiving Kirk Williamson’s crunching hit that echoed across the village. Kirk won the Tackle of the Day award, however Kirk couldn't have a drink as he was driving, so rightly nominated Jorge to take his place.
This was more than just a game of rugby. It was a celebration of 30 years of Ash RFC — of friendships made, families brought together, boots dusted off, and memories created on the same patch of grass where it all began.
A huge thank-you must go to the volunteers who made the day possible:
From founders to first-timers, dads to sons, veterans to current players, the day captured everything that makes Ash RFC special. A truly memorable occasion — and a fitting celebration of 30 years of this wonderful club.
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