Jacob La Roche testimonial game
On a hot afternoon at the Memorial Ground the old and the young came together for a feast of rugby. Jacob La Roche had to give up the playing the game that he was starting to excel in after the diagnosis of a serious heart complaint. The Wanderers and many other sides put on a testimonial game involving a Wanderers XV and a Jacob La Roche XV. It was clear from the outset that the more youthful La Roche XV captained by Colin Fulthorpe were going to be a handful for the forward orientated Wanderers XV who included Wanderers greats Sean Legge and Stuart Campbell in their less than youthful appearance.
The scoring came thick and fast and at times it was clear that a real effort was being put in by all. The La Roche XV took and early lead with 2 tries before the Wanderers XV hit back. The good crowd was entertained with some end to end rugby with the only kicking coming from some of the larger front row figures (you know who you are Joe!) as many a forward realised their dream of playing in the midfield. Eventually the older legs ran out of steam and the La Roche XV were victors by 9 tries to 2.
Everyone retired to the bar for one or two light beverages before the senior presentation evening. Early indications are that just under £1,000 has been raised (with some yet to come in) to Help Jacob with his coaching badges etc.