The Life of Riley
We caught up with Widnes scrum half, Graham Riley [right], who has just retired from playing aged 70.
It’s always difficult to hang up your boots at the end of your rugby playing career but for Widnes scrum half, Graham Riley, that date was held off until he reached 70.
A former first XV captain, Lancashire Cup winner and club President, Graham known to his pals as Crack, still found his last run out really emotional.
“Slowly but surely retirement has been coming,” he said. “Third team rugby is competitive, and a contact sport, and it was the right decision. I know I’ll have times when I’ll be jealous of those still playing but you know when it’s time!"
54 years playing for the club
Having joined Widnes as a 17-year-old pupil at the local Bankfield School whose pupils and teachers were among the players, Graham has retired 54 years later. He recalls among the highlights beating West Park in the Lancashire Cup final, having beaten Bill Beaumont’s Fylde in the semi-final and the following season playing in the John Player Cup against the England scrum half at Franklin’s Gardens.
“Those two games 46 years ago were incredible and something I’ll never forget,” he said.
He will probably never forget his last run out, when the thirds beat Helsby by 24 – 19.
“One thing I won’t miss is the pre-match nerves,” he said. “I’ve had that feeling all those years. Friday night, Saturday morning, they seemed to last for ever. When we were training on the Tuesday night before my last game some teammates were asking why I was retiring, but the reality was I was 70. Not a bad age to hang up the boots!”
All of Graham’s four sons - Paul, Gareth, Matthew and Andrew - have played for the club. As the family’s second home, the clubhouse at Heath Road will still be where Graham can be found.
A gentleman and legend
Club President Gary Clare said: “It was an honour for me to present Graham with a commemorative jersey in recognition of his dedication to the sport, and especially Widnes RUFC, that finally came to an end at the age of 70.
“Fittingly, the presentation was made in front of a busy clubhouse of former players who were having a reunion pre-match meal. All of them would have played with Graham during their careers and every one of them had a recollection of his wizardry and outstanding ability on the field.
“As well as his fantastic ability, Graham was also a gentleman on and off the pitch. Many clubs have legends in their ranks, and we at Widnes are blessed to have had Graham and call him our legend. He’s a man whose ability, durability and conduct is something the club can be grateful to have had in its many teams.”
