Laughter, camaraderie, and a few sore legs marked a heartfelt afternoon at Salisbury Rugby Club as friends, family, and former teammates came together to celebrate the life of Pete Emmett in a memorial match that was every bit as lively and generous-spirited as the man himself.
The idea was simple: bring the old gang back together, have a run around, and raise a glass to a beloved teammate gone far too soon. And that’s exactly what happened.
With the skies clearing just in time, the match was a joyful mix of chaos, comedy, and the occasional glimpse of vintage rugby brilliance. Defensive discipline may have been in short supply, but the tries came thick and fast — not that anyone was keeping score too closely. That said, whoever did win is unlikely to let anyone forget it anytime soon.
Off the pitch, it was a proper rugby club reunion. Familiar faces filled the side lines, sharing stories, laughter, and a sense of shared purpose. Most importantly, nearly £2,500 was raised on the day for the RFU Injured Players Foundation, as requested by Pete’s family — a gesture that captured the generous spirit of the occasion.
Match organiser Jason Yarwood happily remarked “A good day, for a good bloke, Pete would’ve loved it.” It was an afternoon full of memories, mischief, and moments of magic — the perfect tribute to a man who gave much to his club and his mates.
Salisbury RFC did him proud.