Warlingham Rugby club encouraged their members to live on the Bright side of life as they celebrated one of their own heroes, Mark Bright, a club legend and their mini rugby Chairman.

Brighty, as he is universally and affectionately known, is going strong and facing his challenges stoically and in his customary good humour. So the club and a huge turnout of friends from the local rugby community turned up to show their love to their dear friend and team mate.

The club was packed all day. On the field a Warlingham Brighty XV were victorious over a Surrey invitational Barbarians XV made up of players from local clubs. The BaaBaas, proudly wearing the county shirts, came together to support the event. Dads, lads, debutants, returning players and long previously retired players got their boots back on for Warlingham. Brighty even went over for a try with the last play of the game racing over in his scooter to cheers across Hamsey Green.

On the 1st Team pitch, Warlingham’s 1st XV players swapped their usual blue for pink socks in their league match v Old Ruts and donned pink attire for their evening social, an area of the great game where Brighty really excels.

The celebrations continued through the night with a party at the club with over 300 people travelling from as far afield as Cornwall to raise a glass with their mate. The bar ran dry and the celebration of Brighty and the rugby fraternity showed how the Warlingham family rally together in adversity. It really is a family affair. Brighty has played a role in so many peoples lives at the club, as a lifelong playing member, legendary social member and now coach and mini rugby chairman bringing on the next generation of young players and parents in the blue and white hoops.

Cheers Brighty, we love you man!