RUGBY FOOTBALL BIDS FAREWELL TO STALWART CLUB COUNTY AND INTERNATIONAL PLAYER

Older members of Bridgwater & Albion Rugby Football Club and those of long memories will be sad to learn that Bev Dovey passed away on Friday 12 January at the age of 85.

Bev Dovey played for Bridgwater & Albion mainly in the 1970/71 season after he had finished his senior career at Bristol.  His season helping the club was effectively his swan song in the game.  His considerable experience was a boon for Albion who were in the throes of rebuilding their side after some successful seasons at the end of the 1960’s.  He assisted in the early development of several players who were to benefit later in their careers.

Bev hailed from Lydney where he attended the local grammar school – a famous breeding ground for prominent rugby footballers.  He then went to and won his blue at Cambridge University and linked with the Rosslyn Park club in London and in 1963 was selected for England in their opening Five Nations games against Wales and Scotland.  Taking up a teaching post in the West Country and prominently at Millfield School in Street, Bev joined Bristol and played for them from the mid-60’s until 1970.

In the same 1970/71 season with Bridgwater & Albion, Bev was joined by his University colleague and fellow international – David Wrench who had played for Harlequins and had similarly taken up a teaching post in Somerset.  In those days, Albion could boast two international players in the front row – something which made the opposition think that they would probably have a game on their hands.

When Bridgwater & Albion played Lydney at home a few seasons ago, Bev was  guest of the club and was well received both by the home and the visiting officials who also remembered him.

In his later years, Bev turned his hand to golf playing at Enmore Park Golf Club in company with his wife Joan.  He lived at Edington near Bridgwater before moving to Ashcott.  Bridgwater & Albion will long remember his brief attachment and sends its sincere condolences to Joan and her family.

Scribe

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