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Burgh mourns loss of two former players
Calum McNicol8 Jun 2020 - 19:33
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Raise a glass and say farewell to Chris and Sandy
It was with deep regret that Helensburgh Rugby Club learned of the sudden deaths of two former players within the last week.
Though both men played in vastly different times and teams, they were immensely popular in their own ways and will be sadly missed by everyone connected with Helensburgh RFC.
Chris Wilson, who was universally known to all as The Count, joined the club in the early 1990s, having never previously played any rugby. He’d be the first to agree that his grasp of the rules never improved the longer he played, but he was a no-nonsense lock forward who always gave his all on the pitch.
He played mainly for the 2nd XV though on occasion was selected for the One’s and he never let anyone down. But Count’s main strengths were in being a team-player and never taking a backward step in support of his mates, on and off the pitch. Stories abound about the Count and his antics – everyone will have their favourite.
Like the time he was sent off after only 10 minutes in a game down in Cumnock and worryingly enquired afterwards to me: “Can I still take a pie even if I’ve had a red card?” He was a larger-than-life character with a laugh to match and an even more wicked sense of humour. Though he'd not been as active at the club for a wee while, he was still a hugely popular figure at Ardencaple.
Remember the Count this way, Burgh folks, with one eyebrow cocked and a mischievous gleam in his eye as he cracks another joke then laughs that uproarious, unforgettable laugh of his.
Sandy Louden was the 1st XV captain of Helensburgh RFC in seasons 1974-75 and 1975-76 and played in the great Burgh side that won promotion to the National Leagues in that era.
Though a resident of Ayr for some time, rugby-mad Sandy was still an avid follower of all things Burgh, and proudly lined up alongside all the other captains of the club at the 50th Anniversary Dinner back in 2013.
His son, Stuart, is well-known to us at Ardencaple as the Head of Rugby at Lomond School and got in touch to say: “My Dad loved his rugby both playing when he was able and lately spectating - there would not be a Saturday in the season when he would not be out watching a game somewhere.
“He latterly enjoyed the fact that he had a rekindled relationship with Helensburgh and would always come and watch the juniors when we were down in Ayr. He was delighted to be part of the club's 50th celebrations and was equally as proud to watch both Helensburgh and then later the same day, Ayr, lift their silverware at Murrayfield on that famous day in 2012.
“Dad was very proud to have been a captain at the club and always talked very fondly of his time there - I certainly have lots of very good memories as a young kid going to watch him play and then just hanging about the club afterwards.”
The thoughts and condolences of all at Helensburgh Rugby Club are with the families of both Chris and Sandy at this sad time.
Though both men played in vastly different times and teams, they were immensely popular in their own ways and will be sadly missed by everyone connected with Helensburgh RFC.
Chris Wilson, who was universally known to all as The Count, joined the club in the early 1990s, having never previously played any rugby. He’d be the first to agree that his grasp of the rules never improved the longer he played, but he was a no-nonsense lock forward who always gave his all on the pitch.
He played mainly for the 2nd XV though on occasion was selected for the One’s and he never let anyone down. But Count’s main strengths were in being a team-player and never taking a backward step in support of his mates, on and off the pitch. Stories abound about the Count and his antics – everyone will have their favourite.
Like the time he was sent off after only 10 minutes in a game down in Cumnock and worryingly enquired afterwards to me: “Can I still take a pie even if I’ve had a red card?” He was a larger-than-life character with a laugh to match and an even more wicked sense of humour. Though he'd not been as active at the club for a wee while, he was still a hugely popular figure at Ardencaple.
Remember the Count this way, Burgh folks, with one eyebrow cocked and a mischievous gleam in his eye as he cracks another joke then laughs that uproarious, unforgettable laugh of his.
Sandy Louden was the 1st XV captain of Helensburgh RFC in seasons 1974-75 and 1975-76 and played in the great Burgh side that won promotion to the National Leagues in that era.
Though a resident of Ayr for some time, rugby-mad Sandy was still an avid follower of all things Burgh, and proudly lined up alongside all the other captains of the club at the 50th Anniversary Dinner back in 2013.
His son, Stuart, is well-known to us at Ardencaple as the Head of Rugby at Lomond School and got in touch to say: “My Dad loved his rugby both playing when he was able and lately spectating - there would not be a Saturday in the season when he would not be out watching a game somewhere.
“He latterly enjoyed the fact that he had a rekindled relationship with Helensburgh and would always come and watch the juniors when we were down in Ayr. He was delighted to be part of the club's 50th celebrations and was equally as proud to watch both Helensburgh and then later the same day, Ayr, lift their silverware at Murrayfield on that famous day in 2012.
“Dad was very proud to have been a captain at the club and always talked very fondly of his time there - I certainly have lots of very good memories as a young kid going to watch him play and then just hanging about the club afterwards.”
The thoughts and condolences of all at Helensburgh Rugby Club are with the families of both Chris and Sandy at this sad time.
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