Puddy received a standing ovation and was left speechless when he was called up to the front by Club Chairman, Simon Vickers to receive a glass tankard from President, John Ashfield.

One of the strongest scrummagers to play for Chinnor, Puddy was a force to be reckoned with in his playing days. A committed Clubman, he has been a regular on the sidelines since hanging up his boots and is the definition of a club stalwart.

Simon said: “It was an honour to present this award to Gary following some 40 years of involvement with Chinnor.

“I played with Gary in the mid-80s when he was a fresh faced 17-year-old with scrummaging ability far beyond his years. After his playing career ended, he has continued to support the Club both on and off the field.

“He has travelled the country as a supporter, sharing many a coach trip with the players and passing on his wisdom and thoughts on the game to the up-and-coming youngsters and also given our Directors of Rugby some pearls of wisdom that they didn’t always think they needed!

“We would regularly be asked by the opposition if Puddy was with us as they thoroughly enjoyed his company, but woe betide any opposition supporter being rude within earshot.

“He has always put over his views in his own inimitable way, but one thing is for sure that the Club is lucky to have had him as a player, a supporter and a friend. He is black and white through and through.”