AS tributes for former Bermuda rugby star Alan John Oliver continue to pour in from around the world, Teachers RFC prepare to commemorate their own fallen star, Denton Hurdle, during Sunday’s annual memorial match. Both Hurdle and Oliver have been described as kindred spirits — each had a real zest for life, quick to smile and easy to laugh. Both had a profound love for rugby and the camaraderie that is innate to the sport. A recent condolence message from ex-Mariner Ken Anderson highlights how close the rugby community is and how the importance of commemorating fellow rugby players was to the classy Oliver.“My greatest memory of Alan will always be a Hurdle memorial game in, I believe it was in 2001. A hodge-podge Select team was thrown together for the game. We were fully expected to get a right hammering from the Teachers team who at the time were unbeaten in the league. Dave Lunn captained the team, Pogo played, and Alan was stand-off. Dave talked before the game about us having a duty to respect Denton Hurdle and give the Teachers a good game. Alan understood this. From start to finish Alan was absolutely majestic and the Select team comprehensively beat the Teachers that day. This, I believe was the only time I played along with Alan and I treasure the memory. Every time I ran into Alan after that we chatted about that game, with Alan always being his usual low-key self — “‘twas a good game Kenny. Wasn’t it a lot of fun eh?”.

This Sunday’s match will mark the 22nd anniversary of the Denton Hurdle Memorial Trophy being contested, and what would have been Hurdle’s 50th birthday. Although an imposing figure on the field, Hurdle was definitely the gentle giant off the park and loved by all. In his early years, he played schoolboy rugby at Warwick Academy where he also participated and starred in the Whitney Sevens. He then joined Teachers RFC where he played Under-21 rugby, Second XV rugby and Second XV / First XV Friday night rugby at BAA.

He made his break into the First XV in 1974 against The Penguins RFC, a touring team from the UK. Hurdle was 16 years old at the time and, not only did he have the pleasure of sharing this honour with two of his schoolmates (also making their debuts), this game was the first for big brother Derek as captain of Teachers.

Denton went on to become a Physical Education teacher at Warwick Academy.

Although he achieved the honour of captaining both his club and his country, if you asked him, the highlight of his playing days was undoubtedly being chosen the Outstanding Player of the 1984 Easter Classic (this was the predecessor to the World Rugby Classic) by the UK international players who had come here to play in that game. He talked about that game often.

Hurdle played his last game for Teachers on February 10, 1985 — his 28th birthday. On May 8 of that same year, he passed away due to complications from an operation to correct a damaged valve in his heart. Before flying to Halifax for his operation, Hurdle had seen Teachers off on their tour to Wales and France, recognising that he would probably not play rugby again. Nevertheless, he was looking forward to passing on his knowledge and experience to others through coaching. His death came as a shock to his family, friends and rugby mates.

In his memory, every year on the nearest Sunday to his birthday, Teachers play the pick of the other rugby clubs on the island for the Denton Hurdle Memorial Trophy. As part of their commemoration, the club starts the day by attending the early morning church service at Bright Temple AME Church in Warwick. This is just how Hurdle would spend his Sunday mornings prior to playing rugby in the afternoon. The club then gathers for breakfast, before heading to their training field at Whitney Middle School to warm-up.

In the afternoon, three games are played at the National Stadium: a First XV match, Second XV match, and, since last year, a women’s match.

The Hurdle name is still prominent in local rugby. His brother Derek is the former captain and coach of the Bermuda National team, and his nephew Bobby is the current captain of both the Bermuda National team and the West Indies Sevens Squad. His great nephew Tyler now carries on the family tradition by playing mini rugby on Sunday mornings.

Teachers captain, David Porter says of the Memorial match: “This is a time to remember Denton as the great player that he was and the contribution he made to his club and his country. Our thoughts are with the Hurdle family as they celebrate his life and honour the anniversary of his passing. This week the rugby community also mourns the tragic death of Alan Oliver and our thoughts and prayers go out to Alan’s wife Crystal and the entire Oliver family at this most difficult time. Alan was a great asset to Police RFC and Bermuda rugby and it was a privilege for many of us to play with and against him. He will be sorely missed.”

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Sunday’s kick off times are as follows:

1.00 p.m.: Second XV game

2.45 p.m.: Women’s game

3.30 p.m.” First XV game

All games are held at the National Sports Stadium followed by drinks and refreshments at the Docksiders Pub. All are welcome.

Teachers squad: John Edwards, Thomas Greenslade, Devrae Noel-Simmons, Andrew Males, Kevin Walsh, Anthony Cupidore, James Adderley, Jean-Francios Mauvios, David Porter, Chris Naylor, Heath Robinson, Harry Andrews, Warren Clifford, Jeff Sangster, Charlie Walker-Smith, Chris Way, Fred Royer, Patrick Cooper, James Dockeray, Steven Lusher, Alan Wait, Brian Desmond.