It is with much sadness that the Club announces the passing of Adrian Knight on 30th August 2022. Adrian was a great stalwart of the Club since he joined in the early 1950’s and well known Gosport dentist. He was a tough and uncompromising loose head prop with a very straight back that made him a legend. Adrian was 1st XV Captain and Club Captain for the seasons 1963-64 and 1965-66. After ‘retiring’, he was noted for always having his boots close to hand just in case!

He became President in the 1982-83 season and served 10 years in the post before handing over to Dr. Mike Tipton, who would only accept the Presidency, on the agreement that Adrian stepped back into the President’s post for the 1996-97 season, the Club’s 50th Anniversary, which Adrian did.

In that 50th Anniversary year, Adrian recalled his early days when the clubhouse was an old army hut in Gosport Park with a single plunge bath for both teams (having been dug by the members) and the boiler having to be lit before matches. He also spoke of those early days of purchasing a single barrel of beer for after the match. All the beer had to be all drunk so that they could get their deposit back!

Many older club members will remember the ‘old brigade’ of which Adrian was one (Adrian’s words), sat in their so called ‘snug’ in front of the log burner in the old clubhouse reminiscing on a Saturday evening after the game.

Our condolences go out to all his family and friends at this sad time. Details of his funeral will be published as soon as they known.

There will be a minute’s silence before the home games this Saturday 3rd September 2022 at Gosport Park. The games are scheduled to kick-off at 3.00pm.

RIP Adrian

(Words provided by Alan Foulger)