RYAN’S RUGBY MEMORIAL FESTIVAL TUESDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER 2019

It’s hard to believe that this was the 10th Rugby evening in Ryan’s memory. Each year has been special with a number of schools taking part in the event against Clifton College. We are hugely grateful to all the schools who have participated (1st XV listed below) giving us the opportunity to share Ryan’s next chapter, raise the awareness of meningitis and celebrate Ryan’s life with a fantastic evening of rugby:

2010 – BGS
2011 – BGS
2012- Colston’s School
2013- QEH
2014 – Kingswood School
2015 – Colston’s School
2016 – Cheltenham College
2017 – Llandovery
2018 – Millfield
2019 – Millfield

This year did not disappoint. The atmosphere was incredible and saw the largest crowds ever with the different teams drawing huge support culminating in the Ryan Bresnahan Cup match between Clifton College v Millfield 1st XV. Clifton enjoyed a comfortable win 29-0  – making it all even after Millfield won last year. Over 2000 supporters who couldn’t make it to Bristol, enjoyed the live-streaming on Facebook and you can check it out here.  Many thanks to Gary Catchpole for making this happen and being so supportive when representing the values behind the match and the work of ‘a Life for a Cure’.

I received an extremely warm welcome when visiting Millfield school before the event: thank you to John Mallett and the team for being so respectful and supportive. It’s always a pleasure to take a trip to this wonderful campus where I have spent many many hours watching Ryan playing sport over the years from a very young age.

The evening wouldn’t be possible without the help of so many people led by Andy & Diana Sayner. Everyone makes such a great contribution in their own way from Sue & the catering girls, the refs, the Clifton College students, to the chaps on the gate who manage to squeeze everyone in which can be tricky just before the match starts!

Huge thanks to Matthew Salter, Director of Rugby at Clifton College for developing the event into something so very special. It is such a tribute to Ryan that this annual fixture remains in the Clifton College calendar and we are extremely grateful for their support. Take a look at their coverage of the event.

It was an honour to have Ioan Lloyd, Callum Sheedy and Luke Morahan from Bristol Bears to present the trophies. Ioan and Callum are ex Clifton and Millfields pupil, making it extra special for them to be part of this event. Thank you for sparing the time.

In summary: the evening was brilliant and makes us proud and grateful beyond words. Thank you to everyone involved – we really couldn’t do it without you. Michellex