Robin reaches 1000 senior matches
Broad Plain RFC’s Robin Tremlett hit the milestone in the club’s 2nd XV fixture against a touring side from Ashby on April 1.
Image: John White Media
A real club legend at 53, he played his first senior game aged 16, having joined the club aged 12 in 1982.
“When I was younger, I was playing on the wing and then I played hooker for the junior side before being back out on the wing for the seniors. Now I play anywhere in the forwards because I’m not that quick any more,” he laughs.
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Francesco Andres, who is usually the club’s 2nd XV captain, handed over the skipper’s role to Robin for his 1000th match, which was against Ashby RFC’s touring side and Robin was deciding which forwards shirt to wear on the day.
“Robin’s been a key part of the Broad Plain rugby community for as long as I can remember,” says Francesco. “From playing in junior rugby to coaching two teams on a Sunday morning, up to when I made my senior debut where he captained the side and now to this season where he has been a stalwart in our promotion-winning season.
“He is a fearless leader, someone who you can always turn to for inspiration or guidance when things are difficult but also the first man to join in the celebrations in victory. His sheer determination is always evident to see on the pitch, as he will always win the award of biggest tackle of the game and will always bring down the ball carrier, no matter who is in front of him.
Without Robin, Broad Plain would not be in the position they are today. He is a club legend, an absolute gentleman and my captain. Thank you for everything, Mr Broad Plain!”
Robin, who is married to Karen and has two sons Ellis, aged 24 and Alfie, aged 21, is an HGV driver and says: “What do I get out of my rugby? Friendship, I’ve made so many friends through rugby and now so many people are congratulating me, people from other clubs and some I don’t even know. Broad Plain is a fantastic club, I’ve never wanted to go anywhere else and, although like all clubs we’ve sometimes struggled, right now we are able to field three teams and a vets side. We are quite close to the centre of Bristol and have attracted lots of good players.”
With family joining him at the clubhouse to celebrate with him, Robin says: “My wife has always been very sporty and plays netball so she understands what I get out of sport. We have still got guys playing for our thirds at 59 and 60, so I’m hoping to take over the thirds and continue to get a game in.
"I’ve had some great times including back in the 90s when we played in a couple of Cup finals, one against Thornbury and one against Avonmouth, both playing at a higher level. We were determined to soak up the atmosphere, win, draw or lose and although we were beaten we certainly gave a good account of ourselves.”
Having enjoyed some of the club’s most successful spells, including their 2nd XV’s unbeaten run between 2015 and 2017, when he captained the side, there’s little chance of Mr Broad Plain hanging his boots up any time soon.
