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Tribute to referee Tony McDonald

Wednesday, September 22, 2004

Droitwich 3rdXV will observe a minute's silence before their next game in memory of referee Tony McDonald who tragically collapsed and died during last weekend's match against Bloxwich.

Tony McDonald, 51, was officiating the game between Bloxwich and Droitwich 3rdXV on Saturday afternoon when he became unwell.

Shocked players and spectators saw the father-of-five slump to the ground. He tried to stand up, but, as players ran to his aid, he collapsed again.

3rdXV captain Peter Gurr said “It was very shocking – not something I want to witness again. The opposition captain (Kevin Pitt) and Sascha Hobbs worked hard to try and keep him alive before the ambulance came, but I understand he died on the pitch soon after he collapsed. Myself and the team wish to send our condolences to his family.”

Mr. McDonald leaves behind him a wife and five children. Droitwich RFC's members would like to express their heartfelt sympathies and condolences to his family.

Mr. McDonald was a respected figure in the rugby community. He was a member and former player of Old Saltleians RFC and had been a member of the North Midlands Rugby Referees' Society for three-and-a-half years. Mike Spencer, of the NMRRS, described him as “an amiable bear of a man. He was always firm but fair on the pitch and very well liked by all who came into contact with him.”

Droitwich Rugby Club Chairman Robert Bray added “I will be writing to Tony's widow expressing the Club's deep sadness. I recognise also the shock the players must have suffered, leaving them now with a lingering memory of that tragic event, that will only fade with time. I understand that the way our team handled the situation brought deserved credit on them as individuals, as team members, and to our Club. A special recognition goes to Sascha Hobbs for all the effort he put in to trying to resuscitate Tony on the pitch, until the arrival of the ambulance. Thank you all. You can be proud of yourselves.”

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