THREE generations of the Ascroft family made a little piece of history last Saturday when they took to the field for Garswood Stags A team’s 35-28 victory over Warrington Bank Quay.
Grandad Colin, aged 61, Wayne, 37, and Rhys, 16 were all united for the game against the Warrington outfit in the NWML Merit League.
Sadly the opportunity only arose because Colin, who had emigrated to Australia 18 years ago, has returned to England for a short stay for the funeral of his father Derek.
Wayne, who normally plays second row for the Garswood first team, said: “My granddad passed two weeks ago and so when my dad came over from Australia and this opportunity arose.
“My dad signed on for the second team and we all managed to play together.
“My dad has played all of his life and still plays rugby union for Sunnybank in Brisbane.
“He emigrated 18 years ago, and prior to that he played rugby league at Green Dragon and at West Park.
“My granddad will be proud looking down on us - three generations on a rugby pitch together. I doubt that has ever happened much, if at all.
“It was something we always laughed and joked about doing but we thought it would never happen, especially with my dad living in Australia.
“We even managed to get a win against Bank Quay.”
Garswood are coached by former Saints international Paul Loughlin and Jonathon Rattigan and are always seeking new players at training on Tuesday and Thursday between 6.30 and 7.30pm at Birch Grove Playing Fields.
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