The coach of our premiership winning Reserve Grade team of 1983, John Laird, has passed away recently after a short illness.
John had played and coached at St Ives subbies and also played rugby league in the Business Houses and Public Services competitions.
Never one to seek the limelight, John does not even appear in the photo with his winning team. He was noted for the enormous amount of planning he put into training sessions and skill drills. This obviously paid dividends.
He was highly regarded by his players who included Tom Vincent, Rob Cusack, Angus Reid, Mick Gray, Steve Mason and John Briggs.
John is survived by his wife Bev, children Martin and Amanda and their children.