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2003/04 Season Summary

Captain: Ben Jarvis 2003/04

I was first introduced to Rugby and Harlow Rugby Club by my school teacher Jeff Hargreaves at the age of 12. On entering the club for the first time, I was welcomed by Ken Spooner who asked for my name, he never had to ask for it again, he remembered every boy’s name that joined the club,…. how did he do that?.

 It was whilst playing for the U’13’s, that I made some great friends that I still share the pitch with on Saturdays in the 1^st XV.  It is a tribute to our youth coach at the time (Kevin Thomas) who taught not only the technique of the game but the discipline and sportsmanship. I believe this is the reason why so many of our original team still play together today.

There have been many great rugby tours, for which Kevin Thomas was the ‘master’- (no other team I’ve met can do ‘Dead Ants’ the way that HRFC do)!!.

I have been lucky to have had some quality coaching from Kevin Thomas, Alan Brooking, Graham Richards and of course, to have played alongside some very talented and seasoned players in the 1^st XV.

For me, my highlights whilst playing at Harlow have been qualifying for the finals for the Middlesex 7’s tournament at Upper Clapton (never to be forgotten!) and subsequently, my proudest moment, playing at Twickenham, (we might be a small club, but we have a big heart!). Selection to play for Eastern Counties and Essex at U’17’s, and making my debut for Harlow 1st XV at 17.

Finally, the honour of being selected for 1^st XV team Captain at age 23, even though it proved to be a very difficult year, but one I won’t forget. I enjoy my sport and thank HRFC for giving me the last 12 years.

I congratulate them on providing fifty great years of sport for our town.

Ben Jarvis.

1^st XV Captain 2003-2004.

Can you write a season summary?  You don't have to be a captain to do it. If you can jot it down and send it to paul.eynon@harlow-rugby.co.uk or leave it at the club for the attention of Paul Eynon/Dave Sharp. For more archive material click here