Gary daLuz Vieira Memories

It wouldn't be the same if I didn't give Gary a short introduction.

It was a warm summer's evening when I first caught sight of Gary on the hallowed turf of Harwell. He trotted over to introduce himself, saying "You'll have to excuse me, I'm a little stiff from Rugby" I said "I don't care where you come from, what's your name".

Since that day in 198x and on beyond his retirement in 199x, Gary has been a staunch supporter of the club. In his hey-day he brought a potent mixture of game changing pace and side-steps that bewildered not only the opposition but, quite often, his own team as well!

Ed.

Photo 1: March 1989 Portugal Tour.

After The Coimbra Match (Drew 4 - 4)

Dave Hammond (Referee), Rob Ponting, "H", Ronnie Ross

Kieran (Spud) Murphy, Red NosePhoto 2: Kieran (Spud) Murphy

Rob Ponting, Forever Stylish!Photo 3: Rob (Beach God) Ponting

1988/89 Portugal Tour

Lots of bruising memories of this tour of Portugal, 1989.

As penance for arranging an 82-0 thrashing in Jersey on a previous club tour, Andy Langman was requested to "do better" with the next one. And so .....

The 5 hour coach journey from Lisbon, the 4-4 draw and the pig trotter stew in Coimbra were the calm before the storm. Next day some of us went to watch the Portuguese club final match, the rest of us enjoyed the sun, sand and sea ... oh, and a little beer. Little did we know that Portugal picked the bulk of their national side from these two teams. Move on another day and we were lining up against the national side, in what had been arranged as a training game for them, at the Portuguese national stadium, we lost 134 - 0, and tries were only worth 4 points back then! We did get a formal reception and meal for our troubles.

Andy was never to organise another tour for Harwell!!