Another true rugby man Mike passed away on Friday 5th June and his funeral was held on Monday 15th June at a packed St Joseph’s RC Church, Leigh, and Howe Bridge Crematorium.

He was a member of Lancashire RFU where he served as the Lancashire Volunteer Coordinator through which he made many friends at Southport, and also through his playing and coaching days.

Mike lived local to the Leigh RUFC and started playing his rugby in the colts team of the mid 70s where he made his mark as a formidable prop forward, and later represented the club at 1st team level.

He coached within the Minis & Junior section for 10 years before taking the roles of Youth and Community Chairman, and more lately Volunteer Coordinator on the Board where he worked relentlessly on club development and accreditation.

He supported Leigh1st XV whenever he could and was extremely proud that both his sons aspired to give their best on a rugby field.

He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him at Leigh RUFC and is also a great loss to the county and Southport RFC.

The thoughts of Southport RFC are with his wife Carol, sons Tom and Matthew, and the club was represented by Andrew Carney and Graham Ellis at the funeral on Monday.