Pershore Rugby celebrates 60th birthday at Piddle Park

Pershore RFC marked its 60th birthday on Saturday with a huge party full of sports, music and food.

The club played its first game in September 1962 and commemorated the anniversary with a special match which saw Pershore Legends best Dymock Barbarians, 39-7.

Keith Robinson, a key founding member of Pershore Rugby in 1962 and its first secretary, said: “The club has changed massively since Roy Hirons and I first set it up. 

“With ladies and whole families now playing, has changed it to what it should be – a club for the whole community.”

Rowan Kitt, international (and Pershore home-grown) referee and TMO official, refereed the Pershore Legends v Dymock Barbarians contest

Current chairman Bill Hurley added: “We have come a long way in the last 60 years, and it has been tremendous for all our players to come together to celebrate all that we have achieved – from the youngest to the oldest, who enjoy rugby of all kinds at Pershore.”

Pershore Town Mayor, councillor Matthew Winfield, opened up proceedings at Piddle Park by sounding a hooter.

The birthday celebrations then got underway with the two to six-year-old Pershore Pups first to take to the pitch.

The youngsters were then followed by the club’s touch section, led by Third Age Touch players, ahead of the women’s rugby union section.

The main event came next, officiated by international rugby union referee, Pershore’s own Rowan Kitt.

Also in attendance was Donna Kennedy, former Scottish international rugby union player and the first woman to gain 100 caps, who is a guest coach at Pershore Rugby.

“This is a fantastic club, thank you for inviting me,” she said.

The women’s rugby union section in action at 60th

Aside from the rugby, the birthday event featured a pig roast, live music and presentations.

Mayor Winfield said: “Fantastic day. This is one of Pershore’s many hidden gems and it is deserving of more support.”

Vic Allison, chief executive of Wychavon District Council, added: “Congratulations to Pershore Rugby on its 60th Anniversary. 

"It was most enjoyable to meet everyone and see what Pershore Rugby has achieved.”

Pershore Legends ran out 39-7 victors over Dymock Barbarians

All photos by Colin Allen.