Alan Finlay pictured in the back left, hands in pockets, for the 1st XV in the 1954-55 season.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Alan Finlay on Saturday 2nd January 2021. On behalf of everyone at Sevenoaks Rugby Club, we would like to send our heartfelt condolences to Alan’s family at this very difficult time.
An Honorary Life Member, Alan played for the Club in the 1950s and was described by Mike ‘Mouse’ Mauduit as ‘a class centre who covered up my mistakes!’. Alan is pictured in the photo of the Sevenoaks RFC 1st XV in the 1954-55 season on the right side of this article.
Off the field of play, Alan held the position of Treasurer in 1961/62 season, before becoming Chairman of the Club between 1962 and 1967, as well as a having a second stint in that role between 1973 and 1978.
Indeed, Alan was also the first recipient of the Paddock Tankard, for 10 years service, in 74/75.
Following on from his role of Chairman, Alan then became President of the Club in 1978, a position he would hold until 1983. These roles saw Alan play a pivotal role in the building of our current Clubhouse and on 17th September 1979 the tireless efforts of everyone concerned were rewarded with the official opening, with Alan as President.
Alan pictured at the opening of the Clubhouse in 1979
In the Club’s Diamond Jubilee booklet, particular mention and thanks is given to Alan and Peter Hunt for their ‘unstinting dedication’ and who ‘will also be closely associated with the new clubhouse’. The article goes on to say ‘Alan, twice president of the club, was chairman, for a second period, during the years just prior to the completion of the clubhouse and was a leading light behind the project on the administrative side. Without his expert financial knowledge coupled with an ability to lead and motivate people, it is difficult to imagine the Club having the facilities it has.’
Following on from his significant exploits on the Committee at Sevenoaks RFC, Alan was appointed Hon Treasurer of Kent County RFU in 1984, a position he held with distinction for 18 years until 2002. His contribution to the effective running of the County Union was such that, on more than one occasion, the County Committee agreed that he should be offered the County Presidency, an offer which he courteously yet firmly declined on each occasion. Notwithstanding his involvement with the County, Alan remained a very active member of the Club, regularly attending 1st XV home fixtures until recently.
Roger Clarke, the current Kent RFU Chairman, paid a fitting tribute to Alan’s contribution to the County yesterday by saying ‘I was so sorry to learn of Alan’s death on Saturday. He was a very loyal servant and one club man and a total gentleman. He made a vital contribution in helping to maintain the County as a financially viable Constituent body. He also acted as a ‘trustee’ of our fund for injured players where hardship was experienced because the player couldn’t work.’
‘A man with an impish sense of humour who was always a pleasure to work with and a great presence on the touchline he will be sorely missed by you all at Sevenoaks and by those on the Kent Committee who worked with him.’
Alan - travel well and we thank you for the immense contribution you made to our Club. Your memory lives on.
RIP Alan Finlay.