Melbourne born and bred, Colin went to Melbourne Junior School then Senior School in Long Eaton. On leaving school Colin worked at Fairystep Shoes in Melbourne making Men’s shoes. He left there to work for DHL at the Airport where he has continued to work for 22 years.

Colin was Assistant Manager with Melbourne Dynamoes and one Saturday, walking through the village carrying his football bag, he was kidnapped. Dragged into a car and taken to supplement the short-handed Melbourne Rugby Team due to be playing Notts Moderns. The perpetrators of this dreadful act were Graeme Hardy and Joe Laban. Colin’s first game was on the wing where he could see little of what was happening elsewhere on the pitch. Along with the purchase of contact lenses came a huge improvement in Colin’s rugby prowess. He occasionally caught a ball at the lineout, (sometimes it was even the match ball!!).

Football and rugby rubbed along side by side in Colin’s life until BB asked Colin to play regularly for his 3rd Team.

1. First position you played in rugby: Wing
2. Worst injury: None!!

3. Best player you played with at MRFC or elsewhere: Stuart Hamilton

4. Best person for post-match drinks, fun and frolics: Ducky Mallard

5. What should your nickname be: Toppo

6. What bad habit do you have: Moan, when nothing goes right

7. Your sporting hero: Jason Leonard

8. Your non-sporting hero: My Dad & Mum

9. Favourite food/meal: Steak & Chips

10. Favourite TV programme/film: The Italian Job

11. Favourite book: Clive Woodward

12. Who dead or alive would you like to have a conversation with: Jason Leonard

13. You can take either a book, music or a tool to a desert island. Which, and what would it be: Axe

14. Dream job: Coach or Manager Rugby or Football in the League

15. Tell me something about you that no one knows: I’m not blind; it’s just a ruse – the glasses just make me look better

16. A phrase that reflects your life: Live life and be happy

17. What sport do you wish you’d tried: 4 Man Bobsleigh

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

19. Your wish for the future of MRFC: See them move up to National League 1 or 2

20. Your Melbourne Dream Team of players past and present:

Roger Lucas
Paul Kellow
Robin Clayborne
Keith Bonner
Will Judge
John Ewins
Keir Biggins
Ian Lucas
Jake Oxspring
Stuart Hamilton
Dave Middleton
Dean Sylvester
Ian Watts
Ashley Stringer
Matt Pipes