Inclement weather could not deter the island’s rugby community from turning out in numbers for the Denton Hurdle Memorial at North Field, National Sports Centre, on Sunday.

A handful of fans braved the windy, cold and wet conditions to witness the two women’s matches as well as the sole men’s contest played as part of the Teachers Rugby Football Club Day.

In the women’s fixtures, Bermudiana defeated Police 26-25, while Teachers were victorious 23-17 over Renegades. Only three points separated the men’s sides, with Renegades edging Teachers 24-21.

The defeat was the third suffered by Teachers, with the champions having recorded one win so far this season.

The matches marked the 41st anniversary of the death of Hurdle, a talented teacher and sportsman who played rugby, football, cricket and volleyball.

Hurdle, a physical education teacher at Warwick Academy, died at the age of 28 in 1985 from medical complications following surgery to correct his enlarged heart.

Teachers, his former rugby team, have since organised the Denton Hurdle Memorial matches on an annual basis. Also being celebrated on the same day were former Teachers players Robert Trott, Devrae Noel-Simmons and Stephen Edwards.

Hadleigh Tucker, the Teachers men’s captain, was pleased with the manner in which their match was played.

“The game was hard-fought and in the spirit of the Denton Hurdle Memorial our opponents showed up and put on a great performance,” Tucker told The Royal Gazette.

“From the church service in the morning to dinner at Docksiders in the evening, the players, old boys and I could feel the spirit of Denton.

“It always means a lot to see everyone come out to support, especially with the high winds and rain we had. The weather played a big part in the game, sweeping across the pitch from the west, so the kicking and territorial tactics we normally deploy were more difficult.

“As the season progresses and we are starting to have more competitive games with the combined team and I can see more development from our players. As a club we’re looking forward to the next fixture and supporting the Renegades and Police fixture this weekend.”

David Cooke, a former team-mate of Hurdle, featured in the full-contact clash for the whole 80 minutes at hooker.

“I wish I had contributed more but the older you get the less you can contribute,” the 64-year-old said.

“The younger boys seem to respect some of the history of the club and they’re quite happy to have some of the old boys out there. The match was played in the right spirit and as long as I can, I’ll play in honour of Denton. You’ve got to play no matter what the weather is, especially for this match.”

Heidi Groves, the Teachers women’s captain, spoke on the significance of the day.

“The Denton Hurdle Memorial Day is always a day we look forward to as a club,” Groves said.

“It’s a day to remember Denton, the impact he made to the club and the meaningful events that bring us together as a family.

“Not only do we play rugby, but we celebrate his life with the rest of the rugby community.

“One of the best parts about the day is the fact that we have retired players that come and join us in playing and representing the club as a way to pay respects, still showing their worth and impact on the park.

“Our ladies played fantastic overall and showed up for our special day, despite the horrible weather conditions. A big thank you to our opposition for braving the weather.”

Teachers president Gillian Cross expressed her appreciation to all those who showed up to celebrate with the club.

“Despite the cold, the wind and the rain, we showed up,” she said.

“Although the games were played as regular fixtures, it did not diminish the importance of what the Denton Hurdle Memorial represents.

“The day was about honouring Denton, remembering all Teachers players and legends who are no longer with us, whose impact continues to shape our club and our community.

“Our sincere thanks to Bright Temple for blessing us at the church service. Thank you to Docksiders for providing a hearty breakfast and dinner and helping to bring people together off the field as well as on it.

“To our opposition, thank you for showing up and playing with heart. Your presence and sportsmanship were truly appreciated. This weekend was a reminder of who we are and what we stand for.”