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- Gareth Bonar Walton (also known as Bonar, 1.75, G-dog, G-unit, el Capitano)
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- 11 November 1977, Newcastle Upon Tyne
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- Anywhere that requires balls, generally tight head, second row or eight
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- Leading Knutsford Rugby Club out for our first competitive home game at Mereheath Lane against Crewe and Nantwich 3rds. Nobody knew what to expect or what we were capable of that year. Within half an hour we were 21-0 up and although the rest of the game was much harder we secured victory nonetheless. Nothing could wipe a smile off my face that day and I knew we were getting into something special. Especially as around me I had a mixture of old crocks pieced together with neoprene but wise with experience, young kids who hadn't chucked the egg before but were bristling with energy and raw talent and then a few 'inbetweeners' like me! After the game their captain was clearly in shock as he remarked to me "we thought you were going to be the whipping boys" - and there have been a few since who've made the same mistake. Little did he know that a first season promotion beckoned.
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- Unquestionably the recent birth of my daughter Charlotte. Never had I realised what an emotional experience that would be! My wedding day must rank second and now that the Brownie points are assured, I'll fill places 3-10 with KRFC memories: 3 tours, 3 charity balls and 2 fantastic promotions.
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- Because from day one this club has been about togetherness. At no other club do you get the same sense of belonging as you do at Knutsford. There is simply nothing better than a Saturday afternoon in the clubhouse when for a couple of hours you can sit back and watch the enjoyment that this club brings to it's members. From tiny tots (Charlotte has been down twice already and she's just five weeks old) to the veterans of our society everyone feels like they are part of a great club and enjoys the camaraderie that our fantastic sport brings).
At Knutsford we believe very simply that everyone should have the opportunity to experience what it is like to be part of a team. I have been part of the committee from day one, a job that at first I did not relish but I have grown to love because of the energy, enthusiasm and mutual respect for committee members who's joint aim is the success of our club. Never have I ever turned down the opportunity to recruit a potential player for our club - the beauty of this sport is that no matter how old or young, how round or lanky, how short or small; there is a place for all in a rugby team. Many of our current first team and half or so of our 2nd team have only started playing rugby since the club has been formed yet our success on the field has been remarkable. Guys of 17-50 enjoying playing the finest team game and all as valued as the next.
My story wouldn't be complete without a mention of the socials, oh the socials! Call us ‘show offs’, ‘ponces’, whatever you will but the social scene at KRFC is second to none. The annual Charity Ball is all about a celebration of rugby with stars from the premiership old and knew desperate for tickets year after year this really is a special event with an average of 15K per Ball going to charity!! Sportsman's dinners at Belle Époque are sold out before tickets can be printed with formidable speakers such as Jason White, Fran Cotton and Dick Greenwood already having graced the boards. And the tours... well, I'll leave that to your imagination...
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