The annual Ex Players lunch is a popular and well supported fixture in the Cobham social calendar enabling Old Surbitonians and Ex Cobham RFC players to come together and reminisce about a 'fitter' time in their lives. A time when they could run around on a rugby pitch for eighty minutes, survive and celebrate that success by single-handedly trying to improve a brewery's bottom line. They may not be able to achieve the former any more but are always willing to emulate the latter.
With the benefit of time everyone seems to have scored more tries, never missed a tackle or dropped a ball in their rugby career. Halcyon days indeed that still needed to be toasted lest they disappear from the memory.
Chairman Steve Heard started the lunch by showing a short video that Under 17 coach and volunteer photographer Jim Findlay had produced to capture the magic of Cobham's Rugby World Cup Team Base experience .
All present stood for a minutes silence in memory of those affected by the Paris terrorist attack and the Tricolore was on display at the club as a mark of respect and support.
After an excellent lunch past player, coach and director of rugby Billy Davison explained why Cobham RFC means so much to him and how friendships that have been made from playing at Cobham have endured and assisted him throughout his life. In telling the story the age old adage of 'what goes on tour stays on tour' may have been breached occasionally but only in the interests of entertainment. In turn Chairman Steve Heard thanked Billy for everything that he had done for Cobham RFC.
As Cobham were playing Old Reigatians their Chairman, David Forsyth thanked Cobham not only for their hospitality but also for the guidance that had been provided when they had built their Clubhouse They look forward to returning the warm welcome in the return fixture next year.
With the lunch over and the rain pouring down as the First XV game kicked off never has the balcony of Cobham's Clubhouse been so well utilised to support the future Ex Players of Cobham RFC.
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