Rugby Club ISSUE 87 | Page 41

Mill Hill Rob Gillespie has had a long association with Mill Hill Rugby Club. He recently spoke to Rugby Club Magazine, saying, “I went to Edgware school where we had a very strong rugby team, wanting to play as much rugby as possible some of my friends and I decided to go along to the rugby club and play for the club’s colts side. My main position was wing forward, or flanker as its more commonly known today, centre and scrum half too. Playing for the club opened the door for me to play county rugby, one highlight being when we beat Saracens in the Barnet 7’s Cup. My playing career took me from 1976 to 2014, as well as playing for the Club I also represented Middlesex County and London Division which gave me an opportunity to compete for an international position. Eventually time caught up with me and I had to hang up my boots five years ago. I get down to the club as often as I can, it’s a privilege to give something back, so much hard work is put in by the club’s members and volunteers. Over many years invaluable contributions from the likes of Tim Hurst, Geoff Williams, Ian Webster and others whose determination and spirit have kept the club going through difficult times, including the volunteers that run the disability hub for project rugby. The clubs coaching set up coupled with a very focused group of players have developed in skill, strength and belief over the years and now our lease is secured we are on solid ground for the future. As a club Mill Hill RFC has a natural respect for rugby and the values it teaches, our solid foundation coming off the back of an excellent season really gives us something to build on. It was a real honour to be elected as Club President recently and I look forward to the 2019/2020 campaign as we continue to stick together and play through the inevitable good and bad times!” www.rugbyclubmag.com 41