Name: Doug Humphries
Years with Chinnor: 39 (1976 – 2015)
Clubs: Combe Down, Swansea University, Weymouth, Dorset & Wilts, Chinnor
Position: Scrum-half, Full-back
Current role: 300 Club Administrator, Friday Club line marker. Former First XV Captain, Club Secretary and Club Chairman

Most memorable Chinnor moment?
There are several, but it has to be winning the County Cup at our first attempt against Henley back in 1976/77. We beat Banbury with a controversial drop goal in the semi-final. Apparently, at the time, Henley would not give us a first XV fixture and they were the favourites to win. However, they underestimated the power of our huge pack and the ferocity of our three quarters’ tackling. Our No 10, Mark Ireland, opened the score with a penalty, but Henley responded with two penalty kicks. In the second half, we lost our skipper and prop, Dave Burgess to an injury and he was replaced by young, ex Colt, Bob Meinke. I converted another penalty to level the score. Then along came injury time. A late tackle on our centre, Mike ‘Whiffer’ Smith knocked him out to enable Mark to kick the winning penalty. After the game in the changing rooms, Henley were kind enough to give us their champagne that they had bought in anticipation of a victory.

Best player(s) you played with at Chinnor?
Gosh! Not an easy one when you consider the power house of Max Eason at lock and the fearless, hard hitting Richard Christian at No 8 in the 1970s. Then in the 1980s along came the little Irishman, Jimmy Mark, a very versatile hooker who would not be out of place in the centre! However, for me, it has to be ex-Saracens and Middlesex fly half, Dave Croydon. Not just because he caught most of my passes, but he could turn a game around completely with his counter attacking from deep within his own half. A shimmy, side step, dummy and great acceleration created many a try for him and others - and he could convert them with ease.

What does Chinnor mean to you?
Well, rugby is a way of life, isn’t it? You play it, breathe it and drink it! The comradeship and family feeling which Chinnor offers is second to none. I have been fortunate enough to have been associated with this at the Club for 44 years. I have played with many great guys who have put a lot back into the Club like John Ashfield, Rob Walsh, Kevin Robinson, Simon Vickers, Glyn Davies, Mike Pearman, Jerry Austen-Smith, Mark Nicholls, Steve Bridges, Nick Stainton – too many to mention … not to mention my former LWS pupils like Finks, Snorts, Puddy, Wrenchy, Blackie, Volls, Brooksie and Tiny. Then refereeing their offspring at junior level, like Sam Angell. So, a great ‘family feeling’. Now there is the Friday Club. Not only does it serve the Club so well, but is ahead of its game when supporting the mental health of the ‘elderly’. Seriously – making a contribution, feeling appreciated and valued; being part of a team and having fun. Well, that’s what rugby is all about, isn’t it?

How are you adjusting to the present circumstances?
Last year I acquired an allotment next to the Club. This is now the digging and planting season so I have spent a fair bit of time over there as well as popping across to the Club to do some ‘isolated’ Friday Club tasks like putting the corner flags and post protectors into storage and cleaning out the flag pole holes. I also relax doing crossword puzzles, Sudoku etc as well as stimulating my taste buds with the odd glass of wine and beer … and answering Jack’s questions! Cheers.

Would you like to reminisce about your playing days with Chinnor? Email Media Manager, Jack Johnson via media@chinnor-rfc.com .