As Paul had played rugby for both Westcombe Park RFC (Wildcats) and Darrick Wood school over a number of years and had played U18 rugby for both this season, a series of matches was arranged by the coaches and players from both squads to commemorate and remember their much loved and sorely missed friend.

The day was organised by Sue Charman, Karen and Jeremy Ridley, Lesley Mavin and Simon and Tracy McDowell, who all liaised closely with Andy Hammond from Darrick Wood, wanting to both celebrate Paul’s memory and also raise money for Paul’s favoured charity, Help for Heroes.

There were four rugby matches played of 25 minutes each between the two squads, which were all very closely and keenly contested. It was great to see so many boys turn out for their respective teams (32 for the Wildcats), with six of Paul’s friends representing both teams during the afternoon. As the games progressed, the crowd watching swelled to well over 200 which included a lot of Paul’s school friends. Also attending were Paul’s parents, Nick and Sandrine, and his sister Lauren, who brought Paul’s daffy duck, which was kitted out in Paul’s Wildcats playing shirt and his red scrum cap – he even arrived with Paul’s hipflask awarded at the end of last season to each of the Wildcats squad.

The matches were played in an excellent spirit with hard and committed effort put in by both teams, although it was very entertaining to see the shock on the spectators and Darrick Wood players faces when the Wildcats responded to the traditional “Dead Ants” call from the touchline at the kick off of the last game – all players on their backs with legs and arms waving for a count of 10; we even spotted a “Dead Whale” on the pitch with the guest prop spouting water vertically.

Many generous sponsors had made donations for an auction and raffle held at the end of the afternoon, including Chelsfield Lakes Golf Club, Bat & Ball Sports, My Butcher, Chapter One, Shampan, Majestic Wines, Laithwaites, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, WPRFC and also from many of the Wildcats parents. The proceeds from these and the donated and baked cakes are being donated to Help for Heroes, who were represented by Nigel Jones. Thanks go to all those who supported the event and those who worked so hard to make it so successful.

It was uplifting to see the enjoyment on all the players’ faces as Paul was noted as always having a smile on his face. This was an excellent way to celebrate our dear friend Paul, who will be forever remembered and missed by his fellow players and coaches from both the teams that he so proudly represented, as well as his many friends who were there on Sunday. Our thoughts continue to be with his family.

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