Bengo
Born and grew up in Allenton where he became good friends with Hesky through motorcycling. He moved to Melbourne and got to know Cockney, who together with Garry roped Bengo into the rugby. Bengo’s brother Mick also joined the growing numbers at that time. Garry was 1st team captain at Coalville and persuaded Bengo to go along and learn the game. A big draw for Bengo was Charlie Shields’ home brew at Brook Farm after the Sunday morning training.

Bengo learnt some rather outrageous rugby songs when they played Cheadle Rugby Club in the early years, honing his repertoire in the Melbourne pubs after matches. He was aided and abetted by Pete Birt fly half at Coalville who played for Melbourne on Sundays, and the piano in the pub.

1. First position you played in rugby: Second Row

2. Worst injury: Knee Ligaments

3. Best player you played with at MRFC or elsewhere: Garry Fawcett

4. Best person for post-match drinks, fun and frolics: Garry Fawcett

5. What should your nickname be: Bengo

6. What bad habit do you have: Too much Beer

7. Your sporting hero: Bill Beaumont

8. Your non-sporting hero: Barry Sheene

9. Favourite food/meal: Gammon and Chips

10. Favourite TV programme/film: Kes

11. Favourite book

12. Who dead or alive would you like to have a conversation with: Mike Hailwood

13. You can take either a book, music or a tool to a desert island. Which, and what would it be: George Formby – No Limits

14. Dream job

15. Tell me something about you that no one knows: I’m very shy

16. A phrase that reflects your life

17. What sport do you wish you’d tried: Motorcycle Racing

18. Who would you like to see interviewed for this article: Hesky

19. Your wish for the future of MRFC: To be great fun for youngsters and to play at highest level

20. Your Melbourne Dream Team of players past and present:
Roger Lucas
Garry Fawcett
Steve Redfern
Ray Sparkes
Will Shields
Tank White
Pete Lewsey
Pat Keating
Paul Lyns
Ian Hamilton
Dean Sylvester
Ian Watts
Steve Holdstock
Wagsy
Graeme Hardy