GAVIN MANSFIELD-SAD DEATH OF DEDICATED CLUBMAN-BOTH RUGBY FOOTBALL & CRICKET
GAVIN MANSFIELD – SAD DEATH OF DEDICATED CLUBMAN – BOTH RUGBY FOOTBALL and CRICKET
All members and former players of both BRIDGWATER and ALBION RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB and WEMBDON CRICKET CLUB will be sad to learn of the death of their friend, playing colleague and dedicated clubman GAVIN MANSFIELD on 9 March at the age of 45. Gavin had been in hospital for some time and was on life support at the very end.
Gavin showed early interest in sports – particularly rugby and cricket and played for both of his clubs from an young age – gradually moving through the age groups to Albion Colts XV and then into the senior ranks where he played predominantly in the Athletic (Dirttrackers) XV with the occasional game in our United XV – he played almost exclusively in the three quarter line – mainly on the wing where his speed was an advantage and he developed into a useful player. Above all he was dedicated to the cause – always available and amenable for both training which he undertook assiduously and for matches. Alas his playing career was suddenly cut short when he suffered a training ground injury from which he was not to recover. However he turned to the next best thing assisting the late great Jack Smith with the organization of the Dirttrackers XV and becoming a permanent touch judge – a role which he preformed until the demise of the side just before the pandemic. He always upheld the tradition of club smartness – always immaculately turned out in blazer, shirt and tie – he was proud to display his connections. Even afterwards he continued to frequent the club on match days in company with his father Andy and other members of the Mansfield family; and on training nights where he assisted the supper provision and Tina, Clair and Carl took him under their wings. He simply could not stay away and always wished to be involved. It was always good to see him around the club and he will be sadly and affectionately missed.
It was the same at Wembdon Cricket Club where Gavin was ever present in the summer months. Coming up through the junior and youth ranks he developed into a useful all round cricketer with his medium paced bowling to the fore. He was the mainstay of the club’s 3rd X1 for many seasons always ready and available to play for whichever club side required him. Alas his rugby accident also put paid to his cricket career but with an inbuilt sense of belonging he still came to the club regularly – at the Chilton ground he kept the manual scoreboard ticking; prepared the players refreshments; and served behind the bar. When the club moved to the Green he was a regular attendee and there again his absence has been and will be sadly missed. A few years ago he was appointed a life member of the club in recognition of long service and moreso the quality of it.
Gavin was an apprentice at TMB Patterns Ltd and again came up through the ranks to become a dedicated employee. When his medical condition forced him to retire prematurely he assisted the Bridgwater Food Bank in distributing donated food items to the public at large.
Gavin will be long remembered by those he came in contact with during his long sporting attachments and both clubs offer their sincere condolences to Andy, Jenny and family with our gracious thanks for Gavin’s dedicated services to the games and clubs he loved.
Gavin’s funeral will take place at St Johns Church on Friday 10 April at 1230 – followed by reception at Bridgwater & Albion RFC.
Scribe
Category: Club News
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