Alumni in the Spotlight - Jerry Bedwell (Class of 1978)

Jerry Bedwell (Class of 1978) captained the 1978 1st XV team, which scored 488 points against 89, and was arguably the best team the school had produced at the time - although proponents of the 1948 and 1960 sides may disagree! Whatever the merits of the case, the 1978 side had a superb season. The Daily Telegraph correspondent pointed out, on more than one occasion, that the success was based on an experienced, strong pack. Since leaving here in the late 1970s Jerry went on to study Law at Hull University and has since owned a string of successful small businesses.

At what age was it becoming evident that your year group had the makings of a winning 1st XV?

If the truth be known, my year group was not the best. It was not uncommon for us to be under our posts before we had even touched the ball!

When the year below came into the Sixth Form and we joined forces, we began to win. A year later (I did 3rd year sixth), we had a special side.

Who were the other stand-out players/stars of your team?

There were several . . . Mark Johnston, Dave Tutt, Bob Steadman. But we had a great team spirit with everyone contributing - and Ian Cheyne was a great coach.

You lost one match in the 1978 season, are you over it yet?

No . . . it still rankles! And it’s not just me! Whenever I meet old team mates, the subject still crops up!

Did you consider playing professionally?

There was no professional rugby in those days and I was far from being good enough. But I did continue playing for the old boys (OMWRFC as it was then) working my way down the sides.

What are the main factors of success, applicable to the business industry you went into, that you have learnt from your experience as a rugby player?

I have been fortunate to have my own businesses, albeit small ones, but the lessons I learnt from captaining the school team had a useful application to the staff I employed. Treat everyone differently and learn what is needed to get the best from each individual.

One piece of advice you’d give to our current 1st XV?

Train hard, enjoy the game and don’t spend all evening in the Surprise pub after the game!

If you could win only one match all season, who would you want to beat?

Whitgift or Old Whitgiftians!

The greatest player ever born, in any position, anywhere in the world.

Gareth Edwards. I am old enough to have watched him at Twickenham when younger!