Rugby club lays on birthday treat for 100-year-old former player

IT was a special occasion for 100-year-old Jim Flannigan at Scatcherd Lane on Saturday when Morley RFC hosted high-flying Chester in their National League Three North clash.

Mr Flannigan, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, played for the Maroons in the 1930s when he was in his 20s.

Chairman Wayne Dickinson invited Mr Flannigan and his family to attend the game as guests of the club, which prides itself on its old-fashioned values.

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They enjoyed a pre-match sponsor’s lunch and after the match Mr Flannigan was presented with a signed and framed Morley RFC 1st XV shirt, a signed rugby ball and commemorative photographs to mark the occasion.

Morley team manager Peter Seabourne said: “We made it a very special occasion for Jim. We sent him a birthday card which all the players signed.”

Before the match Mr Seabourne had joked that he hoped Mr flannigan’s presence would inspire his team to victory and so it proved as Morley ran out 15-11 winners – Simon Bradshaw kicking all their points.

Having won only one of their previous six matches, the Maroons desperately needed the points but they were made to sweat in the final 10 minutes.

Hearts were in mouths almost to the final whistle when Bradshaw’s successful penalty on the stroke of full-time made sure there were no late surprises.

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