David Jennings
The club was sorry to be informed that David Jennings passed away at the weekend afetr a long battle with cancer.
David played a leading part in so many local causes and organisations, but his involvement with Pocklington RUFC was particularly long and distinguished.
He already had a major rugby pedigree when he arrived in Pocklington as a young vet in the 1960s, having already made a representative provincial appearance for his native Ulster. Initially a hard tackling centre, his early contribution at Percy Road was restricted by work.
But he became more regularly available in the mid-1970s and was a key figure in Pocklington's Yorkshire Shield winning campaign in 1975-76, switching to fly half to control the game with his astute kicking and playmaking.
He managed to combine the perfect balance of being fiercely competitive on the pitch and genial company off it. After retiring from playing he remained closely involved with the club as a junior parent, committeman, touring alickadoo (particularly on club tours to Northern Ireland and to France) and had a noteable five-year spell as club president in the 1990s. He continued to be a keen spectator until quite recently.
His funeral is next Thursday (14th January) at Pocklington Methodist Church at 2 pm and afterwards at the rugby club.
Published: 6 Jan 2010