Dads played sons and old coaches tried to keep up with young talent as Wymondham Rugby Club celebrated the start of 2023 with a game of the ages.

A New Year crowd of supporters turned out to watch the first Roger Miller Cup fixture as a University XV of Wymondham’s former Colts players took on a Select XV of current and semi-retired senior players.

“It’s been a brilliant event and something Roger would have loved,” said club chairman Paul Wootton. “This was about bringing people back to the club - we always say rugby is a big family and this was a chance for a fantastic reunion.”

A minute’s silence was held before kick-off at Barnard Fields to remember Roger, who died in 2021 at the age of just 51. He was a long serving player, volunteer and former chairman at the club.

“Roger was one of the nicest blokes you would ever meet,” said Paul. “He had a love for life and never took things too seriously - but he was highly intelligent, selfless and incredibly funny. He became a stalwart at Wymondham Rugby Club.”

The game was a celebration of Roger’s legacy and despite the rain drew a large crowd of players and supporters. The Uni XV won out over their older rivals and so became the first winners of the Roger Miller Cup.

“It’s been an absolutely fantastic day and a phenomenal event for the club,” said former Colts head coach Adam Allen.