BOXING DAY TRADITION

For some years in the late 1980s there used to be a Boxing Day tradition at Brigg Recreation Ground - an annual friendly hockey match, involving members of the men's and ladies' clubs. A bit of liquid refreshment used to be taken along and kept on the sidelines!
Somewhere I have a picture taken at one of these games but it's not to hand today so we'll have to make do with one showing some of the regular supporters of this festive fixture from a similar annual event - the Briggensians match (Old Boys v Sir John Nelthorpe School), also played at The Rec.
Umpires for both were often Len Marshall, from Wrawby (inset right), and Peter Cox, of Scawby Brook (left on the group image). Third left is 'yours truly'
Nigel Fisher, then (looking left to right along the row) Steve Baggott, Keith Smith, Val Jeffrey, Simon Weightman, Jack Moore and Mike Weightman. These days grass hockey is a thing of the past for the Brigg club in the Yorkshire League, matches being played on artificial surfaces outside the town.
Retired Brigg teacher Len Marshall was one of the great characters of the game and a very hard worker for the club. He umpired in his own way but had the respect of everyone on the field. What he called "apres hockey" was very much part of his weekend - relaxing over a few after-match brandies and chatting to visiting, and home, players and officials in the Queen's Arms. He produced the monthly Short Corner newsletter - again in his own style. It was always packed with interesting gossip about club events, matches and players. Its content would have slotted nicely into Brigg Blog.
A true sporting gent who died just a few hours after officiating in a club away match. A very sad loss to sport in Brigg.