There should be an extra bit of spice in this Saturday’s match between Tynedale and Lymm as the teams have a trophy to play for.

The trophy has been donated by Ian McKenzie, once a player at Tyne, then Lymm, and now a long-time member of the Lymm club as well as Tynedale.
The idea is that the trophy is contested every time the two clubs play each other in whatever capacity - league, cup, ladies, touring, vets, minis & juniors - whatever.

Ian played 2nd row for Tyne 3rd’s from 1986 to 1993 when living at Anick, playing alongside such luminaries as Mike Fieldhouse, Graham Harrison, Tony March, Roger Stockdale, John White and not forgetting his second row partner, Alec Rastall.

He recalls his best moments at Tyne, firstly, witnessing the “ oh so near” moment at Coventry in the John Player Cup, secondly the Worriers tour to Dublin (don’t recall much), and last but not least ducking a punch at Westoe which caught Graham Harrison instead and laid him out. Thank you Graham.

When asked what was behind the idea Ian said “Bottom line is that I’ve enjoyed a wonderful time at both clubs & made great friends. Add to that both Tyne & Lymm have very similar values in attitude, spirit & welcome, both on and off the pitch. So I thought “why not?”
As the trophy is inscribed “two proper rugby clubs” and that is the sincerest compliment I can make”.

Ian discussed the idea with Lymm President Varun Maharaj & then Tyne President Dave Kendall who discussed it with Neil Foster. All thought it was a cracking idea - and we’ll find out the inaugural winners sometime before 5-o-clock on Saturday afternoon.

May the best team win!