The Askean Rugby Club are not exactly strangers to gracing the perfect surface that is Twickenham. Back in the days of the traditional end of season Middlesex 7s, the club were the most successful junior club – appearing on finals day 8 times and always in front of some 70,000 supporters (although not all cheering for us obviously).
On the day of the England v Italy in the 6 Nations, 26 players from the current 1st XV squad were on the pitch to lay out the flags before the game…again in front of a capacity crowd.
The club were chosen by the RFU in recognition of the incredible work and dedication of Ian Lunn, who almost singlehandedly led the Askeans through the difficult period when they lost their ground.
A former uncompromising 1st XV prop, Ian has shown the same commitment he showed in the front row and has worked tirelessly for some 30 years …… it is fantastic that his sterling efforts have been recognised beyond the Rectory Field. The lucky 26 were led by the current Club Captain, Nick Patten, and all wearing the traditional blue, black and white Askean colours.
The big day started when they gathered at 9 am at Waterloo (the station not the battle, obviously). Never before have so many got together so early on a Sunday morning!
If you’re an Askean (and probably even if you’re not) the idea of being up at that time on a Sunday, halfway across London, is about as likely as a prop passing the ball! Obviously this day was going to be a bit special.
The guys were met at the most famous stadium in England (Wembley only just scrapes into the top 5) by a group from the RFU who were their guides for the day. They discovered that they were to unfurl the enormous Twickenham banners…any one of which would have made a large cape for The Hulk (or maybe even Mario Itoje). There followed a tutorial on how to spread the banners – Charlie Grist commented that it was almost big enough to make a decent bedsheet for Antonio, the French prop. Finally the guys were awarded an A+ for their dedicated efforts …a mark that was a complete anathema to the second rows present.
The reward for the guys was some very welcome food vouchers to be used in the many kiosks in the ground for the International. The ingenuity of Fionn O’Connor was confirmed when he quickly discovered that they were also good for pints of Guinness.
Then came the big moment…fortified by meat, pasties…and in some cases a drop of the black stuff…. they prepared to step onto the hallowed turf. But first, and much to the amusement of the others…...and the crowd, Alex Mitchell and Nick Patten were invited on stage to try and pump a rugby ball up in the fastest possible time. It actually took longer than to pour a pint of Guinness - but not as long as to drink one! ITV then interviewed the guys, although for some reason it was not aired…I blame Eddie Jones, one of the TV pundits on the day.
Then it was time….the banners were laid out perfectly by the guys, who then enjoyed the whole atmosphere and a rousing rendition of the National Anthem. Before kick off the guys rolled up the banners in perfect formation…and then, predictably, grabbed a couple of pints as they enjoyed a sparkling performance from England in the VIP section.
The day will remain long in their memories and indeed in those of Askeans everywhere
Nick Patten said afterwards –
“It was a glorious day that we were lucky enough to participate in..... and if playing for Askeans was not reward enough, I’m sure this has made all the cold nights training and the wet and wild Saturdays more than worth it!"
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