East Grinstead Rugby Club hosted a very special ‘Class of 82’ lunch reunion to celebrate the moment they won the Sussex RFU Cup Final, some forty years ago!

On Saturday 5 March 2022, proud members of the East Grinstead RFC’s winning 1st team (1982), came together ahead of the EG2’s league home match and shared rugby stories, remembering the day they won the Sussex RFC Championship.

A day, when East Grinstead RFC beat Lewes 11-7 in a thrilling Cup-Final that was played at Brighton FC, Sunday 7 March 1982.

Dave Harrison, East Grinstead Club Captain (1980-1983) said:

“Well, can you believe it! Forty years since we won the Sussex Cup. The first time the Club had ever won the trophy and at a time when all Clubs in the County entered just the one cup competition.

It really was a tough trophy to win as we had to come through four rounds prior to the final and then beat the side that, at the time, were one of the most powerful and successful sides in Sussex, namely Lewes RFC.

We were definitely the underdogs on the day but following our draw against them in the Merit Table match earlier that season, we knew we had it in us to take them on our terms. I honestly believe that we were one of the most exciting sides in the County during the 80's and gave our supporters some wonderful games to watch.

It only seems like yesterday that we were boarding the coach as young men in our 20's and 30's for one of the most exciting rugby days that most of us were ever to experience. I also remember how excited our wonderful and numerous supporters were and cannot thank them enough for the vociferous (but fair!!) support they gave us - they were our "16th man/woman"!

From a personal point of view, I feel forever grateful and privileged to have captained such a great team. Many thanks also to the long-suffering wives and partners who allowed us to indulge in our passion.”

A special mention was given to Club Coach, Stewart Duggan-Palmer and Bob Mainstone, scrum-half, who both have now sadly passed away.

Andy Poole, President, East Grinstead RFC said: “Rugby is a noble sport, and it fills you with pride. You make many connections through the game and it is simply fantastic to see a group of men who forty years ago shared a momentous occasion. Simply wonderful to watch the comradery and togetherness, knowing that many of the ’82 champions passed the rugby baton onto their family members.”

Cup Winning Team:

Prop: Mick Winn
Hooker: Beesh Zytynski
Prop: Pete Wickenden
2nd Row: Dave Maywood
2nd Row: Graham Lister
Flanker: Tim Wadham
No. 8: John Nicholas
Flanker: Roger Gray (Junior)

Scrum-Half: Bob Mainstone
Fly-Half: Andy Beeston

Wing: Alan Lutman
Centre: Rick Walshaw
Centre: Andy Heath
Wing: Dave Harrison (Captain)

Full Back: Nick Penn

Subs: Jamie Hart, Terry Maywood, Peter Brooks, Jack Brinkhurst.

Touch Judge: Geoff Harrison.

Coach: Stewart Duggan-Palmer

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East Grinstead RFC
Sussex RFU

Media enquiries:
Milly O’Ryan, Marketing & PR, East Grinstead RFC - milly@egrfc.com/07906 201439