For a dad to share in his passion with his son is always special. To enjoy that passion with both sons is something else. Here's Sevenoaks Rugby Club coach, player and Mighty Acorns Champion of Kent Twice Miles Hayward on Saturday's memorable occasion...
"On my bucket list was to be able to play in the same Rugby game as my two boys," says Miles. "As the years went on the dream was becoming harder and seemingly less likely to fulfill as the body became more and more broken! But dreams are a funny thing and if you wish hard enough they can often come true!"
"So with Joe turning 17 in March enabling him (with the correct RFU approval) to play Senior Rugby and Sam (19) back home from Leeds University for Easter, the opportunity came up to play a home game with Dad (48) for Sevenoaks. Although we didn’t get the right result against a strong Tunbridge Wells side on Saturday, the occasion was truly remarkable."
Joe and Sam both came through the Sevenoaks Rugby mini and youth sections and Miles has played since he was eight, starting at Vigo RFC and still playing for Sevenoaks 4th XV and Acorns. Our strong 'One Club' ethos shows how the generations are bridged. There are many more father and son combinations playing for the Club and the large youth section at Sevenoaks include mums and dads coaching and managing their respective boys and girls, creating formative and special memories through sport.
Sevenoaks Rugby Club is a family club through and through. We share with other Clubs an oval passion that brings us all together; once the referee blows the final whistle, there's only one team left and that team extends on and off the pitch from supporters and sponsors, to volunteers and players, coaches and referees, the list goes on. Thanks to Miles, Sam and Joe for furthering a strong tradition for creating opportunities to pass the ball down through the generations. And long may that continue.
"A massive thanks to Sevenoaks, to Tunbridge Wells for a great game and thanks also to all the well wishers and supporters on the day," says Miles. Here are a few magic moments from the special day:
Generation game...Joe, Miles and Sam before taking to the pitch
Holding the line...