CREDITON Rugby Football Club paid a fitting tribute to one of its former stalwarts, Jack Hayes, before last Saturday's match.

Jack's ashes were scattered in front of the grandstand at the Blagdon ground before the Crediton side's triumphant win 19-5 against Liskeard-Looe.

Jack Hayes was a servant not only to Crediton RFC but also to the Schools Rugby Union.

He began life at Crediton as press officer whilst teaching at Hayward's School back in 1952. He continued in that role for more than 40 years and combined it with the chairmanship from 1975-77 and president from 1986-9.

For his service, he was made a life president of the club.

Jack died at Shrewsbury on September 13, 2009, aged 92.

Before the Second World War Jack began teaching in London and playing rugby for the Old Elysians club.

When war came he joined the Army and served with the Ghurkhas in the Far East, earning the Burma Star.

Jack lived in Exeter and was a member of the Exeter Burma Star Association.

As well as keeping a meticulous record of the performance of Crediton Rugby Club's teams, he also found time to write a regular and well-read column for the Courier.

He was devoted to encouraging young rugby players, particularly the club's Colts' team.

When his wife, Peggy died, Jack moved from his home in Exeter to live near his family in Shropshire.

He died whilst residing at the Radbrook Nursing Home, Shrewsbury.

Current Crediton RFC president, Paul Harris, said the ceremony was a fitting way to celebrate Jack's memory.

He went on: "It was an emotional start to the day but it was what he would have wanted.

"We laid the ashes in front of the grandstand and there was a nice turnout of people to pay their respects.

"Jack was always a great person to have around. Everyone remembers how sharp his memory was, even in his later years.

"He will be greatly missed and we are glad we were able to give him the send off he wanted."

Representatives of the Exeter Burma Star Association attended the ceremony.

Also present was his daughter, Mrs Lyn Harris, her husband, Paul and their son, Mr Damian Harris.

Paul Harris said: "Rugby was Jack's passion and to be able to scatter his ashes at the rugby club he loved the most is an honour.

"I would like to thank Crediton Rugby Club for allowing his last wish to take place.

"It has been a sad occasion for Lyn and I today, as we scattered his wife's ashes at her favourite place at Fingle Bridge this morning.

"In a way that replicates their balance of life. Peggy loved the babbling brook, the snowdrops and the bluebells, whilst Dad loved rugby, teaching and the Burma Star."

Raymond Pett, from the Burma Star Association, said: "Jack was a well-liked and respected member of the Exeter branch of the Burma Star."

He said that Jack was always encouraging and interested in what was happening in the branch.

He added that the members decided it was fitting to attend the ceremony with the branch standard to pay respect and honour Jack.

Lyn Harris said: "It was very fitting. My father would have been absolutely loved it.

"Crediton, teaching and rugby were such a big part of his life."

The evening before the ceremony, a celebration evening for the life of Jack Hayes was held at Crediton Rugby Club.

Alan Quick