Reuben Sharkey Armstrong

 

I first met Reuben when he was about 13 years of age.

My very first impression of Reuben was his hair, these magnificent curly locks that I absolutely loved, and l always said "Reuben l wish l had your hair" and in true Reuben fashion he just smiled.

 

I aways called Reuben "The Lion King" and this was for two reasons one because of his fabulous hair and the second because he was a ferocious rugby player, possibly the best tackler I've ever seen and the opposition always got a very warm welcome for our boy.

Besides that, our boy was a player, a real player, a leader who had every part of the game in his in his locker.

Off the pitch, Reuben was a quiet young man and he didn't have a lot to say unless it was to say thank you because he was always very grateful for what the coaches had given him whether that was guidance or encouragement and it was nice to hear him say so.

This young man was incredibly polite, courteous, and respectful.

You could tell that his family boundaries had been firmly set, and he followed them without deviation.

When Reuben and the rest of his fellow gladiators finished a full unbeaten u18s season, they hung up their boots and went their different ways, and Reuben went off to college because he was a very smart cat in many ways.

Every time Reuben passed Portico Vine in Scholes Lane, he'd shout me and wave or walk onto the fields, and we'd embrace and have a chat and always end up laughing about our lads who are without doubt the very best bunch of young men I've ever had the good fortune to coach.

 

Finally, I thank Reuben for becoming the fine young man that he is, and I firmly believe we'll meet again.

And once again, we'll embrace and laugh and share magnificent memories.

 

RIP Reuben 🙏

 

Billy Vaughan

Coach

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