Tottonians Rugby Club were delighted to remember and celebrate the life of a renowned Tottonian, a great friend and player, Jon Errington Paxton on Saturday as the curtain raiser to the league contest.
‘Paxo’, as he was more regularly known, passed away in April 2023, aged just 38. The club was rocked to its very core when the news broke and, with the help of the Royal Navy, 17 Port and Maritime Regiment based in Marchwood and a few friends, the club opened its doors to Paxo’s family, friends and colleagues on Saturday to stage a special match in his honour.
Over 30 players stepped onto the field for the home side while a team was put together for what was to be known as ‘Paxo’s XV’ – all of whom wore one green and one purple sock, in honour of the Paxton tartan colours and superbly observed a minutes applause prior to kick-off following a short address by President Richard Marshall.
The game was played in fantastic spirit, despite the occasional drizzly conditions, and Tottonians ran out 48-17 victors with tries from Jonny Williams, Rob Thomas, Richard Buck, Finn Goodridge, Harry Morse and two for Pete Grigg – ‘Nubby’ – in addition to a penalty try that got the scoreboard ticking for the hosts. Williams, Thomas and Rich Colmer all added conversions.
However, the result was immaterial as the club came out in force to support the Paxton family and over £370 was raised – which will pay for two new sturdy tables which will have plaques made for them in his memory.
There will be a reminder of Paxo inside the clubhouse too as Lt. Jason Rogers, his executive officer upon HMS Cattistock, presented club chairman Wayne Hausen and coaches Phil, Tim and Nick Osman with the ships crest plaque.
“HMS Cattistock was the ship that Paxo was on as part of Mine Counter Measures 2 South (the ship was split north and south) on Crew 8,” said Lt. Rogers.
“Commanding Officer, Lt. Cdr. Tom Lindsey, who is currently deployed, wanted us to present the club with Paxo’s ships crest. HMS Cattistock is named after a small town in Dorset and the crest itself has a thistle, which was apt for him, and we are delighted to make the presentation to Tottonians Rugby Club to remember our great friend and colleague and someone who meant a lot to us.”
