A huge crowd watched the third XV’s game on the second pitch at Water Lane on Saturday afternoon and they were present to see a huge moment of pride for the long-standing second row player Mike Green.

‘Greener’, who has been at the club since 1997 and was a regular member of the 1st XV for a number of years, got the opportunity to play alongside his son, 18-year-old Charlie in the second half of the match against Sandown and Shanklin II.

Mike, who started the game in the second row but switched to number eight at half-time, was thrilled when Charlie, who has played for the club through minis, juniors and into the Colts, joined him in the back row, playing on the flank for his first senior appearance for the club at the interval.

“It was very special,” said a delighted Mike after the match and he was buzzing in the clubhouse later where he shared a beer with Charlie, despite the result not going their way, going down 28-12 to the Islanders.  He was even more thrilled when – and no names mentioned for reporting this – “Mike was beaming in the club after, especially as Charlie slotted their 13!!”.

Special moments like this are priceless as, once again, Tottonians Rugby Club, show what a fantastic family orientated club it is.  The Green’s are not the first father-son duo to feature for the club and you can be absolutely certain they won’t be the last either.

They had been on the pitch together at the same time before but that was in opposing teams during the Unders v Overs post-Christmas contest, but this was extra special to be on the same side and right next to each other too.

Congratulations Mike and Charlie – great game!