TWENTY-FIVE years of rugby in Great Yarmouth was celebrated at an anniversary dinner at the weekend.The event was held at Broadland-Great Yarmouth's club house in Cobholm and was attended by current and past players, friends and special guests including MP Tony Wright; Andrew Sarek, Rugby Football Union Council member; and Mercury editor Anne Edwards.

TWENTY-FIVE years of rugby in Great Yarmouth was celebrated at an anniversary dinner at the weekend.

The event was held at Broadland-Great Yarmouth's club house in Cobholm and was attended by current and past players, friends and special guests including MP Tony Wright; Andrew Sarek, Rugby Football Union Council member; and Mercury editor Anne Edwards.

The evening included a light-hearted presentation by Colin (Ted) Lawler, Andy Ruddick and Asa Morrison on the quarter century of history of the club as well as some special awards.

The club's longest standing continual members: Sue Watson, David Todd and Malcolm Wheadon, were all awarded with an engraved glass marking 25 years of club membership.

There were also pewter tankards awarded to Paul Abel (Pablo), Kev Collings (Sumo), Justin Millar (Tuche) David Beagrie (Spud), Kevan Pywell (Pug) Jay Prescott, Gary Morris and Mickey Pywell (Loony), who have played for over 20 seasons with the club.

The club also recognised the small contingent of players who have surpassed over 250 playing appearances for the club Russell Clarke, Mark La-Cock, Kev Collings, Asa Morrison, Jay Prescott, Kevan Pywell, Mickey Pywell, Andy Riches and Simon Ruddick were all awarded club ties with 250 embroidered under the club crest.

The inaugural long service awards will now become a regular feature at the end of season dinners as more club members pass these milestones in the future.

There was also a lifetime membership presented to Club Chairman Asa Morrison and his wife Mandi in recognition of their behind the scenes work undertaken for the club.

The evening was concluded with a special thank you to all, from founding member Paul Clarke, who reflected on the challenges to establish a club in Great Yarmouth in the early 1980's

The evening could not have been possible without the hard work of a small number of club members and the event was a credit to the club and its development over the last 25 years.

For further details about Broadland Rugby Club please visit www.broadlandrfc.com