Remembered by Warwickshire Rugby

Jim Broderick 1944 - 2009

 

Written by John Butler

Saturday, 04 April 2009

Everyone at the club has been deeply saddened at the news of the passing of a tremendous and loyal stalwart in Jim Broderick. "Brodders", as he was affectionately known by many who knew him, passed away on the evening of Friday 3rd April in hospital at Hinckley after a long and brave battle with cancer. Jim was one of the illustrious few to play over 300 games for the club; 386 was the actual figure following his debut against Rugby Lions in a midweek derby match in September 1961. He also scored 40 tries either from his favoured position of prop forward or occasionally lock and in never actually officially announcing his retirement from the game, made his final club appearance as a replacement against Dublin Wanderers in October 1980. Jim also represented Warwickshire and the Barbarians. Although caps were not awarded, Jim toured with England to Canada in 1967 and to Japan in 1970/71, from where he sadly returned on a stretcher after badly injuring his back. Playing days over, Jim became very involved with coaching and was Club President from 1998-2000. He was subsequently made the first Hon Life Vice President. In his latter days, Jim suffered very badly with ill health which greatly reduced his attendances at the Butts Park Arena. All however have been deeply saddened by his passing and extend to Jim’s family warmest wishes and condolences.

 

LAWRENCE FRANK SMITH 1933 - 2009

Lawrence “Lol” Smith a stalwart of Leamington RFC passed away on Sunday morning August 16^th 2009. He joined the Leamington club from Warwick School and made his debut in the first XV in the 1951-52 season. He was a regular in the side for the next ten years, either in his preferred position at fly half, or at wing or centre. During the 1960s he continued to play for the club in the lower sides. He became Chairman in 1969 at a time when the club was expanding rapidly and preparing to move to Moorefields. He finished playing in 1972 and then became Chairman of the Club from 1972 to 1974. He was Honorary Secretary between 1994 and 1997; a position he had previously occupied in the 1950’s.

As a South Warwickshire RFU Committe member from 1989 until 1999, he became a Warwickshire RFU General Committee member representing the South Warwickshire RFU clubs during the 1990s, he was a Warwickshire U21’s selector touring with them to Namimbia during the time when the team appeared at Twickenham and he was also a longterm Warwickshire Competitions Committee member.

 

 

ANDY FARRINGTON

 

1957-2009

 

It is with deep regret that Broadstreet RFC announce the death through illness of Andy (Faz) Farrington this morning at Myton Hospice. May He Rest In Peace.

 

Faz had an illustrious career as rugby player. After leaving Caludon Castle school he joined the Caludon Castle club before going to play for Coventry in 1978. He had 239 senior appearances for Coventry as a hooker scoring 48 points. During this time he also represented Warwickshire many times playing in two County Championship finals at Twickenham including beating Kent in the 1985 final. He was also in the Midlands squad several times vying for the position of hooker at the same time as Steve Brain and Brian Moore.  

 

After leaving Coventry he joined the Broadstreet club and it is true to say that as a player he was instrumental in driving Broadstreet on to the success the club has enjoyed over the last two decades. He was a vital member of our first County Cup winning team in 1993 and our promotion to Midlands League Division One in 1995 and the National Leagues in 2002.

When Faz retired from first team football he became a valuable member of the Broadstreet committee continuing to play whenever possible and was he also heavily involved in the team management of our 2^nd team and below.

 

I am sure that Faz would not like to be remembered for just what he achieved as an individual. He was a very modest man who more than anything was a team player and an inspiration to everyone who ever met him. He never asked for anything from the game apart from the friendships that he made and he had many of those.  

 

From a personal view I would to say that it was an honour to have known Faz and I have very many personal memories of him including meeting him several times on the recent British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa. Faz was in his element surrounded by rugby people enjoying the game that he contributed so much to.  That is the way that I will remember him and I so pleased that he was able to make that trip before he passed away.

 

On behalf of the Broadstreet club I would like to send our heartfelt condolences to his wife Lin and son Duncan, his parents, brothers and sisters and I can assure you that the support of the rugby community is with you all at this time of great sadness.

 

 

GONE BUT NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN

 

Charlie McGinty