Born in Halifax, Yorkshire in 1953, Chris’s first rugby club was Old Brodlians in Halifax. He married and settled in Repton in 1977, joining Burton Rugby Club. Moving to Ticknall in 1980 he joined Ticknall Cricket Club.

Chris continued playing centre for Burton rugby club till 1984, before joining Garry Fawcett and company at Melbourne. It was a bit of a shock to the previously pampered Chris who was more used to flat pitches and warm showers. His first game for Melbourne was against Sudbury Prison in October 1984, losing 18-4. Playing Saturdays and Sundays until 1987, Chris played a variety of positions ranging from full back to occasionally prop.

Good memories are recalled of the Billabong Bar at The Melbourne Hotel (now Harpurs), Rose (landlady) at the Melbourne Arms (now houses) and Paul Dunn (licensee) at the Alma. Chris recalls breaking one of the windows of the Alma whilst climbing up Sunshine Mountain, or maybe it was down!!

Joe Laban got Chris into trouble with the Police on one occasion, travelling back from a game at Mellish. He was mooning out of the car window to some girls and Chris, the driver, was pulled over.

After a good win at South Wigston another eventful journey home occurred, visiting just about every Public House between Leicester and Melbourne. Chris blames Denis Smith for leading himself and Bengo astray on that occasion.

1. First position you played in rugby: Centre
2. Worst injury: Dislocated thumb and damage to shoulder

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

4. Best person for post-match drinks, fun and frolics: Chris & Scott Walters

5. What should your nickname be: Maggo

6. What bad habit do you have: Impatient

7. Your sporting hero: Chris Bonington

8. Your non-sporting hero: Bruce Springsteen

9. Favourite food/meal: Fish & Chips in Yorkshire

10. Favourite TV programme/film: Coronation Street

11. Favourite book: Touching the Void - Joe Simpson

12. Who dead or alive would you like to have a conversation with: Mum & Dad

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

14. Dream job: Captain of a luxury yacht

15. Tell me something about you that no one knows: Played for a British Lions Team in 1973 while working in Libya against a French Navy Team

16. A phrase that reflects your life: Take your time but hurry up

17. What sport do you wish you’d tried: Climbing/Mountaineering

18. Who would you like to see interviewed for this article: Bev Silkestone or Graeme Hardy

19. Your wish for the future of MRFC: To continue improving standards, and provide enjoyable competitive rugby for lads and lasses

20. Your Melbourne Dream Team of players past and present:
G Hardy
J Laban
C Walters
A Gates
A Stringer
S Walters
Lee Smith
Garry Fawcett
Paul Sheldrake
Bengo
R Lucas
R Sparkes
P Lewsey
K Biggins
D Iliffe