In the next instalment of our fortnightly interviews with former players, we caught up with John Vaughan …

Name: John Vaughan
Years with Chinnor: More than 40. I started in the Under 10s and I made my debut for the first team in 1985. Simon Vickers was captain and we had a very good, physical young team with the likes of Puddy, Gary Porter, Mark Paterson and the Buckys. I last played for the second XV in 2010 against Esher where a huge pack featuring Stocky, Andy Berry, Lavin, Fenners and Rix gave the old man an armchair ride.
Clubs: Chinnor, Manly, Henley
Position: Scrum Half
Current role: I help coach the Under 15s, referee junior matches, occasional Vet and an avid supporter

Most memorable Chinnor moment?
There are so many wonderful memories over the years. Chinnor's first Oxfordshire Cup victory in 1977 when Kenneth was coach, Colts cup victories, our multiple league championship wins, the epic play-off wins over the last few years ... oh, and the Vets tour to Ibiza a couple of years ago ( but I can't talk about that!). However, the one that really sticks out is winning the County Cup final under lights at a packed Iffley Road in 1999. We were a really tight bunch of mates who formed the nucleus of the side for around ten years. Lyn Evans as coach really made the boys think about the game and their positions and it dramatically improved the team. The Chinnor support was a real 16th man that night and the whole squad gave everything to the fight. The pack monstered their much vaunted opponents and the defence was sensational to a man. We had a great night back at the Club where all the supporters had gathered to cheer us in.

Best player(s) you played with at Chinnor?
I've been lucky to have played with some fantastic players over the years, including the star youngsters who went on to play at the top level, Neale Provan, Paul Volley, Dan Harris and Dave Seymour. Also, Chinnor boys through and through who could have played higher at the time, Gary Porter, Brooksy, John Brown. James Davies and Tim Wright were excellent centres who really complimented each other. Mike Cook was an awesome player who was the most destructive tackler I have ever seen. Patrick Jobson, though, sticks out, he had everything you would want in a fly half - searing pace, could kick off both feet, excellent place kicker, great game manager. An iron will to win and that touch of arrogant nonchalance that put him on another level.

What does Chinnor mean to you?
It's been such a huge part of my life for so long, it's the friendships and the camaraderie that mean so much. We had such a close team throughout the 90s and early 00s with so many highs and the odd low, with some epic hair dryers from Lyn. We formed incredible, long lasting bonds between the players, WAGS and supporters where Chinnor was basically all our second homes, sporting and social. In later years, with the minis and junior rugby you meet a load of new friends and share some incredible experiences, including touring Verona a couple of times which was absolutely wonderful. When Dad passed away recently the mountain of messages and letters and the sea of Chinnor ties at the funeral and wake just emphasised what a special place Chinnor really is.

How are you adjusting to the present circumstances?
With three teenagers in the house it's certainly been a challenge, the weather has been the one saving grace in terms of letting off steam. We celebrated Emily's 16th birthday in lockdown and managed to put a good party on for her. I do think it has brought people closer together and to think of the more vulnerable and hopefully that will continue once we manage to come through the other side. It was great to see the Under 15s donating some of their cancelled Easter tour fund to Captain Tom's NHS appeal.