Tony's rugby journey began at school, and in his later teenage years he regularly turned out for WHTDSOB on Saturday afternoons. Having represented Durham Schools at all age-group levels, he joined Hartlepool Rovers at the start of the 1967/68 season. In October 1967, he earned selection for Durham County in a friendly against the South of Scotland, the first of what would become 40 county appearances.

During his distinguished career at The Friarage, Tony was a key member of the Rovers side that won the Durham Senior Cup in nine consecutive seasons between 1973 and 1981. He also played in the historic match against the Barbarians during the club's Centenary season.

Although he preferred playing in the centres, Tony was equally accomplished on the wing and at full-back. Over the course of his Rovers career, he scored an impressive 112 tries and four drop goals.

Tony's sporting talents extended beyond rugby. He famously competed in the Hartlepool Carnival Nutty Slack Race, winning the event in three consecutive years between 1973 and 1975. To put that achievement into context, competitors in those days carried a sack weighing one hundredweight (51kg).

After 14 seasons with Rovers, Tony returned to his first love, Hartlepool Tech, supporting the club until its eventual departure from the league system. In more recent years, he could occasionally be seen once again on the terraces at The Friarage, following the fortunes of Rovers.

Everyone at Hartlepool Rovers sends their sincere condolences to Tony's family and friends at this sad time.

The funeral will take place at 11am, Friday 27 November at Stranton Crematorium and afterwards at TDSOB Wiltshire Way.

John Baker, Club President

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