Funeral of Wath Rugby Club stalwart Geoff Scherdel

Past president and legendary life member Geoff passed away on October 1, aged 83, after giving more than 60 years service to the club.

Introduced to rugby at Wath Grammar School, he qualified as a chartered surveyor in London and joined Wath RUFC on his return in 1960.

A year later he married Pat, who had met at school. Married 61 years, she often said: “He should take his bed down to the club as he spent so much time there.”

Geoff had two children, Lisa and Mike. All his family were involved with the club and Mick is currently chairman.

In his playing days Geoff captained the second and third teams and introduced legendary line out calls “no man line” and “throw it to the big man at 4.”

He was club president from 2014-15 until 2018-19, the highlight of which was the club winning the RFU Senior Vase at Twickenham.

Interested in community, Geoff was chairman of Wath Parks Association and helped prevent Montgomery Hall being closed. His other passion was gardening.

A club spokesman said: “Geoff worked tirelessly on improving liaison for improved pitches, fund-raising and social events and wrote entertaining match reports, plagiarised from Telegraph journalists.

“He continued to help and support at club despite failing health. Geoff was highly sociable. Once met, never forgotten.”

The funeral is at All Saints Parish Church, Wath-upon-Dearne, starting at 1.45pm, followed by cremation at Rotherham Crematorium for family and close friends.

Refreshments afterwards for all at Wath Rugby Clubhouse.