The original intention was that Nathan would be a substitute and play for a short while but as events turned out both Tim & Nathan played the entire match. The result was a 29-14 win for Chippenham and not only did Tim score the first try but Nathan also kicked one late conversion.
Tim started playing mini rugby with Longlevens Gloucester when he was seven and then progressed through the junior section before establishing himself in the 1st XV. The coaching he received there principally from Dave “Bumper” Humpris has held him in good stead throughout his playing career.
Tim (now a Community Sports Coach) moved to work in Chippenham in May 1989 and continued to play for Longlevens until he broke his ankle in October that year. On recovering from his injury he joined Chippenham in March 1990 and was appointed Club captain for 1990/91 season, a position he held for three consecutive years and then again a few years later.
Tim married his wife Yvonne in May 1992 and she and their three children, Emma, Nathan & Grace have been diehard touchline supporters every week in all winds and weathers.
Rugby runs in the Dunford family and not surprisingly Nathan began playing for Chippenham when he was nine and benefited greatly from Tim’s coaching. Nathan has played in all subsequent age groups and is now a member of the Development Squad at Chippenham He has also represented Dorset & Wilts at both U14 and U15 level. Currently Nathan is engaged in the two year “Advanced Apprenticeship in Rugby” course at Bath University/Chippenham College as well as helping with the coaching of the current Chippenham U15 squad.
Over the past couple of years Tim & Nathan have played cricket together for Chippenham but Saturdays’ joint experience (a much rarer occasion in rugby) was the culmination of their sporting ambition- long may it continue.