WHEN the final whistle sounded to bring an end to the league match with Wootton Bassett on November 26 it also concluded flanker Steve Brown’s playing involvement with Minety.

Steve, who is moving to London soon, first joined the club as a 10-year-old and played in all the youth teams up to Colts level before heading off to university.

Shortly after finishing his degree he was contacted by Minety stalwart Dale Langdown and persuaded to come back, and he’s been with the club ever since.

“I can remember Dale’s telephone call,” said Brown. “Minety were one player short and I was on their list. I agreed, turned up at the club and played. It was freezing cold – minus three degrees – and I’m sure I got a dose of hypothermia, but I knew that I wanted to play for Minety again.”

Steve admits to having a very bad memory for games but the run to the league title and promotion six years ago and the Dorset and Wilts Vase win last year stand out.

“I have massive fondness for Minety, not only the players but also the other club staff who make it such a great little club. We’ve had some great and not so great seasons but through it all the club has been very welcoming and a fun place to be.”

Steve will be looking for clubs in the London area as soon as he re-locates. Certainly his friends at Minety believe he has it within him to succeed at a higher level.

The first XV captain Andrew Hibbard was quick to praise Steve and his performances on the pitch.

“He’s the sort of player you want on your side; you certainly wouldn’t want to see him on the opposition, said Hibbard.

“He’s an annoying little flanker to play against. He’s always there, tackling, rucking, picking up the ball and spotting gaps; he always seems to come away with the ball in his hands.

“He’s also an inspiration to those around him – you can see others encouraged by his exploits. He’s been a great laugh on and off the pitch, an exemplary clubman and we will miss him enormously.

“I’m sure everyone at Minety wishes him all the very best and hope that he’ll come back to us occasionally for the odd game.”

Dave Peirce, club chairman, feels that Steve’s departure is a huge loss for the village side.

“We’d love him to stay and I have suggested that we might help with transport costs to get him back here each Saturday but it’s not going to happen,” said Peirce.

“Steve has been tremendous on and off the pitch and is a real club stalwart. His tackling and overall defensive skills are amazing and he’s led from the front and exerted an enormous influence upon those who play around him.

“He’s far from being the biggest flanker in the league but I haven’t seen a better flanker. It doesn’t matter what size they are, when Steve tackles them they stop and then go backwards. But he doesn’t just tackle in ones, he makes one tackle, gets up and then repeats it until the ball is won. Tremendous.”

Assistant coach Craig Smith has both played with and coached Steve.

“He’s just been great both as a team mate and as a member of the training squad,” he said.

“He’s unbelievably fit and precise in all that he does and his timing of tackles means that he plays well beyond his weight. A model player.”