RUMBLINGS OF JOY ON ANNIVERSARY OF DIRTRACKERS GURU’S DEATH
RUMBLINGS OF JOY ON ANNIVERSARY OF DIRTRACKERS GURU’S DEATH
As 11 December 2025 marks the ninth anniversary of the death of the great guru of the Athletic 3rd XV or Dirtrackers – whichever parlance you prefer or are allowed to say these days – then there have been reports of rumblings from the Memorial Garden where Jack Smith’s ashes have been interred. They are of course rumblings of joy as Jack would have absolutely rejoiced in the knowledge that his beloved Dirtrackers XV has been resurrected in the last two seasons. He would of course have said “I told you so”. The current incumbents charged with maintaining the Dirtrackers XV are no doubt finding the same problems as Jack did throughout his long attachment to the side. Player availability; reticence; demands from teams up above etc abounded in Jack’s day just as they do now – but perhaps the situation is worse these days. Jack would have been delighted that others within the club have taken on the mantle of trying to organise and run this side which of course is clearly to the overall benefit of the club in strengthening its playing resources. Those who have never been involved in this way always wondered what the fuss was about but those in the know undoubtedly commiserate. The Dirtrackers’ flag has not flown on the ground for some time and perhaps at an opportune moment when it is just that team at home, then it might be raised in honour of Jack and all of those who have participated wholeheartedly both before and currently.
Scribe
11 December 2025
Category: Club News
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