Terry Cross joined the Oldfield Old Boys RFC aged 15 in 1951, he had hardly played rugby at school but was commandeered by his best mate Morris Reynolds.

Terry became a very strong and aggressive speedy winger scoring many tries in his career. He played for his beloved club for 41 seasons hardly missing a game. He even managed to play most weekends during his 2-year national service travelling home every weekend.

Terry played 500 1st team games and over 1000 games in total finishing in 1992 on his 56th birthday scoring a try in the process.

He captained a very successful first XV in 1963/64 and in 1967/68 he captained the second XV to an undefeated season. Terry playing in every game. The only Oldfield side ever to go undefeated for a whole season.

Terry’s off the field activities out stretched that even of his playing career. His dedication and commitment to Oldfield Rugby Club is a shining example to us all. He held numerous committee positions but was renown for his long-term role as bar steward at the Oldfield clubhouse on the Lower Bristol Road. Terry took on the role in 1973 remaining steward until the premises were sold in 2003. An amazing 30-year period of absolute dedication.

With the clubhouse established and a skittle alley in place Terry started the Oldfield A skittle team, which he captained for 51 years.

Strangely the team only disbanded this year.

He also played for Ron’s 8 and was still playing up to a few weeks before he passed away.
For 20 years Terry organized and ran the Oldfield children’s Christmas parties, fund raising all year round to make sure the children had wonderful presents. He was ably assisted by his wife Dot and children Mathew and Lynne. Our thoughts are with them today.

Terry deservedly became a life member in 1991, his rugby playing record is exceptional and will probably never be matched. Oldfield have been blessed with many characters and Terry is up there at the top.

Terry played a vital role in making the old clubhouse such a success, which enabled Oldfield to buy and develop the ground and premises where Oldfield flourishes today.

He was a tireless worker never asking for any reward always putting others first.

I had the pleasure of being Terry’s friend for 50 years, playing rugby, skittles and socializing with him up until he passed away. I will Miss him.

On behalf of all Oldfield members past and present we Thank You.

Tribute Written by Oldfield Trustee Barry Quintin.