If ever there was a case of the right man, in the right place, at the right time then Roger Iveson’s appointment as head coach at Driffield RUFC was it. He brought with him his passion and experience of the game but, most importantly, his insistence on discipline in all aspects of the club’s approach to pre match preparation.
For some years, Driffield had been endeavouring to emulate the heroes of 1971 and win the Yorkshire Shield for a second time. It was the appointment of Roger that proved to be the catalyst in achieving this goal.
In what was still an amateur game, he introduced a very professional and honest approach to fitness and preparation, and inspired his players with his dedication and his well-chosen words.
Having achieved the Shield win on that glorious day in April 91 at the now defunct Roundhay RUFC, the club enjoyed a long period of success culminating in our fourth promotion to what now is the northern premier league, a status we held for five years.
All of this was the work of many people, but the person that laid the foundation for that success following the Shield win was Roger Iveson.
The players and supporters of our club owe him a great debt of gratitude for the work he did on the field. And, for some errant individuals that had occasion to be thankful for his loyalty and dedication in his professional capacity, this is especially true.
Roger will be remembered as a man who contributed a great deal to East Yorkshire Rugby and, in particular, Driffield RUFC where he is very fondly remembered.
Of course it could be argued that his greatest contribution, with the help of Di of course, was the production of three talented young sons who all proceeded to play 1st XV rugby in the blue, black and white. Not a a bad contribution!
Well played Roger, well played!